SAINT PETER, Minn. - The Gustavus women's soccer team started its season Friday morning with a 2-1 victory over UW-Superior.
"Today was a great way to start of the season," Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie said. "We are super happy with our team performance today against an organized Superior side. We moved the ball very well and created quite a few dangerous looks, with their keeper coming up with some big time saves."
Gabriela Rodriguez (Waseca, Minn.) started the scoring at the 19:17 mark of the first with the help of
Jordan Oelkers (Byron, Minn.) and the Gusties maintained a 1-0 lead through the first half. The Gusties outshot the Yellowjackets 9-0 in the first 45 minutes.
UW-Superior tied the game at in the 74th minute but the Gusties were quick to respond as
Annika Lewis (Hudson, Wis.) score the game-winner less than three minutes later on a corner from
Payton Mahady (Minnetonka, Minn.).
Claire Hemstock (North Mankato, Minn.) made one save to earn the victory in net. The Gusties finished the game outshooting the Yellowjackets 15-2.
"Our first goal was a wonderful team goal, building up the field, nice combo play between Jordan and Callie before Gabby put the cross away in the back of the net," Burnett-Kurie said. "We gave up a goal against the run of play in the second half, but kept our heads and confidence, putting the pressure back on. Payton whipped in a dangerous corner with lots of our players eager to get on the end of it, with Anni putting it away. Defensively we locked them down, our Gustie tempo looked great and our foundation is incredible strong already. We are excited to compete down in Iowa this Sunday."
Gustavus plays its first road game of the season 9 a.m. Sunday at Simpson.
