University of Minnesota Athletics
Soccer Ties Creighton, 1-1, in Minnesota Invitational Finale
9/1/2003 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
The University of Minnesota women's soccer team closed out the 2003 Minnesota Invitational today with a 1-1 double-overtime tie against 2002 Missouri Valley Conference champion Creighton. Minnesota used a late goal in the first half, some lucky bounces and numerous clutch saves by Karli Kopietz to stay unbeaten at 1-0-1.
The Bluejays struck first on Minnesota native Regina Moench's goal in the 10th minute. Carrie Randall played a ball deep into the UM end with Kopietz and Moench racing to the ball. Moench won the race and deposited the ball into the empty net for the 1-0 lead.
The Golden Gophers struck back with 12 seconds remaining in the first half on freshman forward Haley Lentsch's second goal in the Maroon and Gold. Defender Jen Cressman served a ball into the 18-yard box where Lentsch used a nifty left-footed shot to beat CU goalkeeper Jaimie Thompson at the far post. Cressman's assist marked her first point as a Golden Gopher. For the half, Minnesota out-shot Creighton 7-6.
The second half saw several scoring chances for both teams, but the scoreboard stayed at 1-1. The Bluejays had their best opportunities in the 70th minute. Lulu Quigley was awarded a penalty kick, but Kopietz made a diving save to her left to preserve the tie. Just 52 seconds later, Emily Munn found herself alone in the 18-yard box, but her shot rang off the far post.
For the second half, Creighton out-shot UM, 9-5, including a 5-4 on- goal advantage. The teams played two scoreless overtimes with Minnesota gaining the edge in shots, 5-3. For the game, Kopietz and Thompson made seven saves apiece. The match was a foul-laden affair, as UM and CU combined for 34 fouls, 20 going to the Bluejays.
The Golden Gophers head to Evanston, Ill., this weekend to face Ohio and Florida Atlantic on Friday and Sunday, Sept. 5 & 7.
