RIPON, Wis. – The Gustavus women's soccer team concluded its opening trip to Wisconsin at Ripon, getting its first win of the season over the Redhawks with an 2-0 victory. The Gusties are 1-0-1 heading back home, where they will host their home opener against Bethany Lutheran Wednesday.
"Opening weekend with this team was an absolute joy," said Head Coach
Laura Burnett-Kurie. "We played two competitive games – we showed our character to earn a tie against Oshkosh on Friday in the final few minutes. The mentality to push forward and dig deep to tie it up was great to see so early in the season.
"Today's match against Ripon was a ton of fun," Burnett-Kurie continued. "Our team worked together, trusted each other, and consistently communicated which allowed us to play with freedom, take risks, and be creative. It was incredible to see the team move the ball, attack in different ways and stay organized defensively. Being able to stay poised throughout our lines and keep possession out of the back allows us to attack in a plethora of ways. As always, the culture, team camaraderie, and energy of the bench propels us to new levels."
For the second game in a row, the Gusties scored first, as
Ellen Becken gave the team an early lead.
Cambelle Waldspurger quarterbacked the play, winning a battle for the ball with a Redhawk defender before sending a perfect pass to Becken in the box. The senior won a footrace and sent the ball into the low left of the goal for a 1-0 lead at minute 32. The Gusties continued to apply heavy offensive pressure in the first half, totaling 15 shots and eight on goal to control the pace of the game.
The second half was no different, as the Gusties matched their first half total with 15 more shots towards the Ripon goal.
Kaitlyn Brandt doubled the Gustie lead, scoring her first as a Gustie in minute 60. A turnover by the Ripon defense led to a perfect sequence for the Gusties, who connected with three passes before
Kirstin Poppen sent the ball to Brandt at the top of the box. Brandt sent a shot into the lower right corner, beating the Ripon keeper Andreanna Wilke.
Cambelle Waldspurger was certainly looking for her first of the season all game, putting six shots toward the Ripon keeper to lead the team.
Ellen Becken,
Lillian Selberg, and
Payton Mahady each added to the team's 30 shots, all with four or more, while a total of 12 Gusties chipped at least one in throughout the game.
Katelyn Olson earned her first clean sheet of the season, making the lone save in goal to help the team to victory.
Gustavus out-shot Ripon 30-3, including a mark of 15-1 on goal. The Gusties had two corner kicks to zero for the Redhawks, while fouls were mostly even, 12-11.
The Gusties will host Bethany Lutheran on Wednesday for their home opener, and the first official home event of the season in Saint Peter. After a trio of non-conference games, the Gusties will open conference play against Carleton on Sept. 18.
