University of Minnesota Athletics
Golden Gopher Soccer Team Battles to 0-0 Tie
10/21/2006 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
The Golden Gopher soccer team battled to a scoreless tie against
Freshman Jenny Green had two shots on goal, both of which came on headers off of corners to lead
In a physical game which saw 31 fouls called and three yellow cards handed out, neither team was able to penetrate the opposing defense as they went back-and-forth for much of the first half. The Gophers came out looking to establish their attack early on, creating two corner kick opportunities in the first three minutes of the game. However, both times they were denied by the
The Wolverines also came out on the offensive and created a couple of scoring chances in the first 10 minutes, but Minnesota's back line of Kaitlin Wagner, Hailey McCarthy, Lyndsey Mueller and Kirsten Zachman made its presence felt with some hard-nosed to deny any serious scoring threat. The Wolverines best chance came in the 20th minute on a corner kick opportunity, but the Gophers cleared it out on a header.
In the 32nd minute, the Golden Gophers were awarded a free kick near midfield after a Wolverine foul. McCarthy served it into the box, but
The Gophers continued to create scoring chances in the second half, with Green just missing on a pair of opportunities, the first which came in the 49th minute off a corner kick. Wagner served the ball into the box where Green headed it towards the lower left corner of the net but Tuura made a diving save to keep the game scoreless heading into the break.
The Gophers dodged a bullet in the 63rd minute when
Minutes later, Lindsey Schwartz had the entire stadium on the edge of their seats when she took the ball at midfield and maneuvered up the left side. She made a couple of nice moves to create some space and fired a wide angle shot that just sailed wide of the right post, deflecting off the foot of a Michigan defender.
Dare made a couple of nice saves in the following minutes to keep the Wolverines off the board. In the 68th minute, she secured a low shot from
In the 85th minute, the Gophers were awarded a free kick 25 yards out. After the ball was chipped into the box, Green had her second header attempt of the night but was unable to get it by Tuura as the teams ended regulation without a score.
Michigan had the only real scoring chance in the first overtime period, but Dare made a nice save on a shot from the top of the box by Kylie Neschke to keep the game scoreless.
A nerve-racking second overtime ended with the same result, as neither team was able to convert their scoring chances. The Gophers had their best chance in the 102nd minute when they were awarded a corner kick. Wagner crossed the ball from the left side near the front of the net, but Tuura secured it to prevent
In a desperation effort in the final minute, Clare Grimwood caused the crowd to hold its breath when she took the ball from midfield and found a hole through the
With the tie and
Post-game Quotes
Assistant Coach Kyle Singer
On what the team can take out of the game:
“There were a lot of good things to take out of it. Our ability to take people on the dribble one-on-one was fantastic. We created seven corner kicks, which is as much as we've had all year long. It didn't show on the scoreboard with our shots, but I think we were dangerous on our set pieces and we could have gotten a goal. It's the same thing as usual, we just need to get that goal.'
“We've tried different things throughout the year. I think that one goal will get the confidence level back. I don't think it's a science of trying to figure something out at this point, it's just trying to grit it out and just find some way to put a toe or head on it and get it in the back of the net. Once that comes, the confidence will be there and more opportunities will come and more goals will come.'
On the intensity of the game:
“It was definitely a hard-fought game and both teams were competing for a playoff spot. Any time you have that you'll have people going back and forth at each other. It definitely took its toll on both teams, but at the end of the day that's exactly what you expect from a Big Ten opponent with a playoff spot on the line.'
On where the team goes from here:
“This is a young team that has a lot of character and even if there isn't a playoff spot on the line, I have no question on the amount of effort they will bring. These kids are going to keep fighting and play until the last whistle regardless of whether or not that playoff spot is there.'
Sophomore Lindsey Dare
On the intensity of the game:
“It was an incredible fight. Our team showed up to fight tonight, for sure. I'm so proud of my teammates. It was a huge team effort tonight. Everyone just brought it.'
On the physical play:
“Both teams were definitely coming to fight tonight and the refs were calling a tight game. It was just a really physical game, the type of game we like to play.'
On Minnesota's defense:
“Our back four was incredible. They stepped up tonight and played unbelievable defense. I'm really proud of them.'
On what lies ahead for the Gophers:
“Win. We have to win on Sunday. That's all we can do. It's our only choice.'
Sophomore Kaitlin Wagner
On the intensity of the game:
“We knew we had to come out really strong with a lot of heart and a lot of passion and I think we did that. We played a great game and every individual worked their hardest. It's just that final piece that we're missing, and that's scoring a goal.'
On the physical play:
“It was pretty physical, but for a lot of us it makes us play better. It makes us want to go that much harder. I don't think it hurt us at all because their calls got us free kicks and a lot of opportunities on goal.'
