SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women's soccer team rolled to a 4-0 non-conference victory over Bethany Lutheran on Wednesday, dominating the Vikings for its second win of the season. Four goals from four different players and a clean sheet from
Katelyn Olson led the team to victory at the Gustie Soccer Field.
After 24 minutes of back-and-forth play,
Haillee Wilson, in her third game as a Gustie, scored her second of the season for a 1-0 lead. A shot attempt from
Payton Mahady took a bounce off the head of a Viking defender, placing the ball in the box for Wilson, who sent her shot into low right. From there, the Gusties controlled the play of the game, getting their next two within two minutes of each other in the first half.
Lucie Henrich began the next scoring play, breaking up the Viking attackers and sending the ball to
Ellen Becken, who laid a perfect pass to
Hannah Cisar. Cisar, one-on-one with the defender, was able to break free and send a slow roller into an empty right corner for her first of the season, doubling the Gustie lead.
Just two minutes later, a free kick and foul drawn by
Ava Reierson in the box set the Gusties up for their first penalty kick of the season.
Ellen Becken, who scored her first of the season the game before, extended her point streak to three games, putting the ball just out of reach of the BLC keeper and into the right corner for a 3-0 Gustie lead at the half.
Gustavus continued to hold Bethany Lutheran at bay, allowing just one shot on goal from the Vikings in the second half.
Jordan Oelkers sealed the victory with one final goal, scoring with just two minutes remaining.
Payton Mahady started the play, picking up a loose ball in the midfield before sending it to the foot of
Lillian Selberg. Selberg made a picturesque pass to Oelkers, who picked up the first of her senior season for the 4-0 final.
"We started out strong for the first five minutes, then became a bit frenetic over the next ten, however, our team was able to gather themselves and focus on our tempo and our style of play," said Head Coach
Laura Burnett-Kurie. "Once we were able to settle down, we showed our creativity, personality, and depth. We were able to attack in numerous ways based on what our opponents were giving us – which was crucial as Bethany Lutheran is organized across the field.
"Defensively, we were facing some very crafty players, and our team grew into the game. In the first half, while we were problem solving, we came up with some crucial individual moments. Collectively, we began to adapt through all our lines and started to settle, allowing us to make good decisions when stepping and possess out of the back."
Burnett-Kurie was able to get 26 players into the game, with 14 different Gusties tallying a shot on goal.
Callie Patraw and
Cambelle Waldspurger led the charge with three shots on goal apiece, while Cisar added two. Olson stopped all five Bethany shots that came her way to post her second shutout of the season.
The Gusties outshot the Vikings 30-10, including a mark of 19-5 in shots on goal. This is the second consecutive 30-shot game for the Gusties, as they totaled 30 against Ripon with 15 on net in the game prior. The Gusties also managed six corner kicks to just one for BLC, while fouls were relatively even, 6-5.
"As always, this team brings the energy and is inspiring to be on the sidelines – and our fans were outstanding! The cheering and genuine love for each other permeates everything we do and allows us to play with such joy. Once again, we were able to show the depth of this team."
Wednesday's game marked the first of four in a row at home, as the Gusties will next host UW-Superior next Wednesday for another non-conference match-up.
