University of Minnesota Athletics
Strahota's OT Goal Guides Gophers Past Purdue
10/11/2008 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
University of Minnesota freshman forward Tam Strahota made the most of her time on the pitch Friday night, scoring a game-winning goal in the 109th minute to propel Minnesota (13-1-0, 3-1-0) to a 1-0 double overtime win over conference-leading Purdue (9-4-2, 3-1-1). Strahota’s goal ended the game with just 1:16 left in a second overtime session.
Strahota, who played just 18 minutes in Friday’s contest, scored her third goal of the season after Minnesota earned its seventh corner kick of the evening late in the second OT session.
Lindsey Schwartz sent the corner kick to the top of the six-yard box where senior defender Krystle Kallman was able to direct a header toward the Purdue goalmouth. Kallman’s header was deflected by a Purdue defender to the foot of Strahota, who beat Purdue keeper Jenny Bradfisch to the upper corner just inside the near post for the game-winner.
“Krystle [Kallman] knocked it down and I opened up on the near post like I’m supposed to. I was just there for the rebound,” Strahota said. “I had a lot of friends here tonight, so there might have been some extra motivation.”
Sending the speedy Strahota into the game at the start of the second overtime session turned out to be just what the doctor ordered for Minnesota.
“I thought she was a big boost for us when we sent her in for that second overtime period,” Minnesota head coach Mikki Denney Wright said. “She did a tremendous job for us tonight.”
After the teams played a fairly evenly matched first half, Minnesota began to take control of the tempo of the match in the second half. Minnesota did hold a slight 4-3 shooting edge at the break, but Minnesota outshot the Big Ten Conference-leading Boilers by a 11-4 margin in the second stanza.
“I think the second half was probably the best half of soccer we’ve played all year. We did everything but throw it in the back of the net,” Denney Wright. “I was just really proud of the soccer we played tonight. This was a big win for us tonight, there’s no question about it. Our kids just love big games they always come to play in big games.”
Purdue, ranked 21st nationally in the most recent SoccerBuzz poll, got an outstanding effort from goalkeeper Jenny Bradfisch in a losing effort. Bradfisch made 12 saves on the night, many of the highlight reel variety.
Six of Bradfisch’s 12 saves came on the end of shots unleashed by Minnesota midfielder Molly Rouse, who led the charge in the Minnesota midfield. Rouse was the catalyst for the pressure Minnesota applied after the halftime intermission. Her six shots on goal were a season high.
Minnesota continues its weekend with a contest against No. 16 Illinois (9-5-0, 3-2-0) on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 PM at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. Gopher soccer fans can gain admission to the game for just $1 as Minnesota Soccer celebrates its annual Rock the Robbie’ weekend.
Strahota, who played just 18 minutes in Friday’s contest, scored her third goal of the season after Minnesota earned its seventh corner kick of the evening late in the second OT session.
Lindsey Schwartz sent the corner kick to the top of the six-yard box where senior defender Krystle Kallman was able to direct a header toward the Purdue goalmouth. Kallman’s header was deflected by a Purdue defender to the foot of Strahota, who beat Purdue keeper Jenny Bradfisch to the upper corner just inside the near post for the game-winner.
“Krystle [Kallman] knocked it down and I opened up on the near post like I’m supposed to. I was just there for the rebound,” Strahota said. “I had a lot of friends here tonight, so there might have been some extra motivation.”
Sending the speedy Strahota into the game at the start of the second overtime session turned out to be just what the doctor ordered for Minnesota.
“I thought she was a big boost for us when we sent her in for that second overtime period,” Minnesota head coach Mikki Denney Wright said. “She did a tremendous job for us tonight.”
After the teams played a fairly evenly matched first half, Minnesota began to take control of the tempo of the match in the second half. Minnesota did hold a slight 4-3 shooting edge at the break, but Minnesota outshot the Big Ten Conference-leading Boilers by a 11-4 margin in the second stanza.
“I think the second half was probably the best half of soccer we’ve played all year. We did everything but throw it in the back of the net,” Denney Wright. “I was just really proud of the soccer we played tonight. This was a big win for us tonight, there’s no question about it. Our kids just love big games they always come to play in big games.”
Purdue, ranked 21st nationally in the most recent SoccerBuzz poll, got an outstanding effort from goalkeeper Jenny Bradfisch in a losing effort. Bradfisch made 12 saves on the night, many of the highlight reel variety.
Six of Bradfisch’s 12 saves came on the end of shots unleashed by Minnesota midfielder Molly Rouse, who led the charge in the Minnesota midfield. Rouse was the catalyst for the pressure Minnesota applied after the halftime intermission. Her six shots on goal were a season high.
Minnesota continues its weekend with a contest against No. 16 Illinois (9-5-0, 3-2-0) on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 PM at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. Gopher soccer fans can gain admission to the game for just $1 as Minnesota Soccer celebrates its annual Rock the Robbie’ weekend.
Players Mentioned
D
/ Soccer
F/MF
/ SoccerF
/ Soccer2025 Season Highlights
Thursday, October 30
Play in Focus: Sarah Martin
Tuesday, October 21
Highlights: Gophers 0, Oregon 0
Sunday, October 19
Highlights: Gophers 2, Washington 3
Friday, October 17