ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – In its sixth game of the season decided by one goal, the Gustavus women's soccer team fell to Saint Benedict by a score of 1-0 Saturday afternoon.
Alli Voss scored the game's lone goal, her sixth of the season, in the 83rd minute for Saint Benedict (4-4-4, 1-3-2 MIAC).
Cambelle Waldspurger (Jr., Mahtomedi) did all she could to get the Gusties (6-4-3, 1-4-1 MIAC) on the board in the first half, totaling four shot attempts in the first 45 on Bennie keeper Annie Waters, including three chances within a span of six minutes. The junior helped the Gusties control the first half play, totaling 10 shots and four on target, but both Waters and
Katelyn Olson (So., Cloquet) punched out every ball that found its way into the box, keeping the score deadlocked 0-0 at the half.
Waldspurger continued to bring the offensive pressure in the second, taking a feed from a racing
Ellen Becken (Sr., Prior Lake) for a shot off her right foot in the box. Waldspurger's ball sailed toward the top right corner, but Waters was able to just barely get her fingertips on the shot, pushing it off the crossbar and out of bounds.
The Gustie offense, fueled by this attempt, had a series of dangerous looks in the following minutes, including one from
Kaitlyn Brandt (Jr., Blaine), who lined up at the top of the box and sent a shot just wide of the goal. With 16 minutes left to play, Waldspurger found herself low in the Bennie box with possession, but her shot was blocked, leading to a Gustie corner. The team was unable to capitalize on the attempt, sending the ball back the other way for the Bennies.
After a CSB throw-in and a pair of clean passes, a loose ball found its way rolling down the field to an uncontested Alli Voss in front of Olson. The Gustie keeper stepped out to play the ball, but just missed it on the dive, leaving Voss alone for the goal, scored in minute 83 of the game. The Gusties had a chance at the equalizer with 2:45 on the clock, as
Kirstin Poppen (Sr., Verona, Wis.) took a free kick just above the box, but Waters made a diving save to maintain her shutout and deal the Gusties a 1-0 MIAC setback.
For the second game in a row and the fourth time this season, the Gusties totaled at least 20 shots, eight of which were on target.
Payton Mahady (Jr., Minnetonka) and
Brianna Monahan (Sr., Medina) each had two on goal to lead the team. Olson finished with four saves, while Waters posted eight to keep the Gusties off the score sheet.
Gustavus will play host to St. Catherine (7-2-3, 4-0-2 MIAC) on Wednesday, facing the Wildcats at 3:30 p.m. at the Gustie Soccer Field.
