University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Toledo
Gophers Defeat Toledo in Season Opener
8/23/2013 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
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Aug 23, 2013
The University of Minnesota women's soccer team opened the 2013 regular season with a 2-1 victory over the University Toledo Friday evening at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.
Second year head coach, Stefanie Golan, and her coaching staff added twelve new members to the roster in the off season. As many of those players started for the Gophers in their home opener, their contribution to the team, even early on, was already evident.
The Golden Gophers were lead by the freshman duo of Josee Stiever and Simone Kolander who both had their first career goals for Minnesota. Stiever stepped up early, scoring the first goal of the game in the 25th minute, which allowed the Gophers to gain a 1-0 lead over Toledo.
Toledo's Megan Connor made several attempts at the goal but the Golden Gopher defense, anchored by senior MacKenzie Misel, was able to hold off the threats of scoring early in the first half.
As the first half was coming to an end, Toledo responded to Stiever's goal as Kiersten Johnson slipped a ball past Minnesota goalkeeper Kristen Knutson in the 40th minute.
The second half brought another goal for a Minnesota freshman as Kolander notched her first goal as a Gopher in the early minutes of the second half. Minnesota, known for being a tough home team, stayed true to that reputation as they were able to hold off any scoring attempts by the Rockets during the second half.
Big defensive plays by Misel matched with an attacking offense allowed the Gophers to keep the lead and finish the game ahead of Toledo.
On Sunday, the Gopher Tournament continues as Belmont battles Toledo at 11:00 a.m. The Gophers will take on North Dakota State University with a match slated for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff at ELR Stadium.
