SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Gustavus women's soccer team kept things rolling Tuesday night, defeating UW-Superior 1-0 on the road for the team's third consecutive victory. One goal from
Cambelle Waldspurger (Jr., Mahtomedi) proved to be enough, as
Katelyn Olson (So., Cloquet) picked up the clean sheet in goal to seal the non-conference win.
"What a great atmosphere to play under the lights," said Head Coach
Laura Burnett-Kurie. "Our team brought the energy, with our bench, once again, supplying the endless energy needed to win a tough game on the road."
Both teams played scoreless through the first half, with the Gusties managing most of the game play. The offense tallied 11 shots in the first half, including eight on goal. Both
Payton Mahady (Jr., Minnetonka) and
Callie Patraw (Sr., Elk River) had two shots on goal, but the Gusties' best chance came off the foot of
Hannah Cisar (Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) in the waning minutes of the first half. Cisar's shot to bottom left was grabbed by Yellowjacket keeper Quinn Clark to keep the score deadlocked at the half, 0-0.
Waldspurger broke the silence not long after the break, scoring her first of the season 1:24 into the second half. The Gusties had Superior on its heels to after kick off, dominating the game with precise passes and consistent offensive pressure. A Gustie throw-in put the ball on the foot of
Brianna Monahan (Sr., Medina) who navigated around UWS defenders to make a pass out to Hanah Cisar. Cisar laid a cross into the box for Waldspurger, who sent it high to the far post.
"We came out of the gates with the run of play and territorial advantage, but couldn't quite seem to break through. We adapted in the first 45 and created a couple incredibly dangerous looks late in the half.
"Second half we came out flying resulting in a quick goal. It was an exceptional team goal — executed perfectly. We had a few more very dangerous looks to up by two, but couldn't quite find the back of the net. Superior turned it on for the last bit, but we handled the moment beautifully and players came up with big moments when needed."
The Yellowjackets managed a few chances as time ticked down, including a dangerous free kick that was sent straight into the body of Olson with nine minutes to play. With six left in the game, Superior had its best chance to even the score, but an impressive defensive play by Monahan to catch a sprinting Yellowjacket helped the Gusties secure the road shutout.
"Overall, it was a strong win against an organized and gritty Superior side," Burnett-Kurie continued. "We are proud of everyone on the team for helping us earn this hard fought win and shutout."
Waldspurger led the team with three shots on goal, while Mahady, Patraw,
Kirstin Poppen (Sr., Verona, Wis.) and Cisar all added two to the team's total 13. Olson saved all six UWS shots that came her way, posting her third consecutive shutout.
The Gusties, now 3-0-1, will play host to regionally-ranked Simpson on Saturday, facing the Storm for a 12:30 kick off at the Gustie Soccer Field.
