University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Final B1G Road Stretch
10/24/2013 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Oct. 24, 2013
| Minnesota (9-5-2, 2-4-2) at Wisconsin/Prdue | |
| Date/Time | Minnesota at Wisconsin (Thurs., Oct. 24 / 7 p.m.) |
| Location | Madison, Wis. |
| TV | BTN |
| Live Stats | |
| Date/Time | Minnesota at Purdue (Sun., Oct. 27 / Noon) |
| Location | West Lafayette, Ind. |
| Live Video | Gopher All-Access |
| Live Stats | |
| Social Media | @GopherSoccer | Facebook |
The first game of the weekend is the Border Battle game as Minnesota travels to take on border rivalry, Wisconsin, on Thursday night. The Gophers are looking to add another tally to their win column and are coming off a 1-0 loss to No. 22 Nebraska. Wisconsin also dropped to nationally ranked Nebraska last weekend in a 2-1 double-overtime match that left the Badgers heartbroken at the conclusion of the match. They bounced back and were able to overtake the Hawkeyes in a 2-1 victory. Scoring for the Badgers were Alev Kelter in the 13th minute of play and Rose Lavelle with the game-winner in the 80th minute.
SCOUTING PURDUE
The Golden Gophers head to West Lafayette for the second year in the row as they take on the Boilmakers on Sunday afternoon. This is a make or break week for both teams with the Big Ten Tournament looming only weeks away. Purdue is in the same situation as Minnesota as they control their own destiny with their final three games. Purdue is coming off a two loss weekend in Michigan as they fell 4-0 to Michigan State last Friday and 3-1 to No. 12 Michigan on Sunday afternoon.
GOALKEEPER GLORY
Freshman goalkeeper Tarah Hobbs has had a stand-out year for the Golden Gophers thus far. Throughout 13 games, she has 86 saves on the season putting her in the top spot for saves in the Big Ten. She also leads the conference in save percentage (.869) and saves per game (6.62). Last weekend, she stepped up in a major way for Minnesota as she was able to make 16 saves during the match against Iowa. She broke the program record for saves in a single match that was held by Lindsey Dare with 15 from Sept. 10, 2006 and Teresa O'Hearn with 15 from Sept. 30, 1994.
NOTORIOUS B1G
With the high competition level in the Big Ten, each game is up for grabs. There is no easy win or guaranteed winner. Going into the final three games of the season, the Gophers will take on Wisconsin and Purdue on the road and Illinois at home on Halloween. Going into Wisconsin, the Gophers are 2-4-2 in conference. Nebraska, Michigan and Penn State have all clinched berths into the Big Ten Tournament while the other teams are in a race to the finish. The Gophers have only scored four goals throughout eight conference games and are looking to rack up the points in order to push to the post-season.
FRESHMAN FIRE
Freshman forward Simone Kolander stepped up B1G time during Sunday afternoon's match against Nebraska. Kolander had four shots and three of them landed on the goal. Although, she was unable to make contact with the net with Nebraska goalkeeper Emma Stevens nabbing saves for each of her chances, Kolander had a major impact on the pace of the game. Besides Kolander and freshman goalkeeper Hobbs, the freshman class for the Golden Gophers has been vital to the success of the team. With midfielder Josee Stiever recording three goals on the season and one assist as well as Ashley Pafko with one goal and two assists, these Golden Gophers have a bright future ahead.
FINAL STRETCH
The Gophers are now in the final stretch of the 2013 regular season. Two games on the road and then a finale home game will decide the Gophers fate for the post-season. The Gophers are 3-4 on the road and have thrived at home with a 6-1-2 record, their only loss at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium was this past weekend to nationally ranked and current Big Ten leader, Nebraska. Last season, the Golden Gophers narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament and are looking to make it back to the big show at the conclusion of this season.
GOPHER LEADERBOARD
Shots: Haley Helverson (26)
Shots on Goal: Katie Thyken (13)
Goals: Katie Thyken (5)
Assists: Simone Kolander/Taylor Stainbrook (3)
ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL
The Gophers have found a way to bring the concept of "teamwork" alive on the field each and every game. The Gophers have seen a vast variety of goal scorers this season as well as scoring opportunities created by different players each time. The Gophers have allowed the element of surprise in their game because no one knows who will step up during that specific game. The Gophers have had twelve different players with goals and/or assists.
DEFENDING THE ROBBIE
With the reputation of being a tough home team, the Golden Gophers are looking to take advantage of their ten home games this fall. Last weekend, the Gophers had two victories at home bringing their overall record on their home pitch to 128-51-12. Minnesota looks to extend that home win count when they meet Iowa and Nebraska next weekend at the Robbie.
TUNING IN
Thursday's match against Wisconsin will be on the Big Ten Network beginning at 7 p.m. CT. You can also follow the match via Twitter by following @GopherSoccer. Sunday's match against Purdue will be available on Gopher All-Access with live game tweets from @GopherSoccer.
FINALE AT THE ROBBIE
Thursday, Oct. 31 - Illinois - 2 p.m.
Gopher FANatic Day: Come out and show your support for your D1 state soccer team.
Present a valid college/university I.D. and receive free admission to today's game.
(Valid for students from ALL Minnesota colleges/universities)
Student Day: Halloween Costume Relay Races
Costume Contest: Dress up and win! Best costume wins a Gopher Prize Pack!
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Join the conversation by following us on Twitter @gophersoccer and using the hashtags #Gophers, #GopherSoccer and #TheRobbie. You can also find us on Facebook and "Like" our page! /GoldenGopherSoccer
