University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Maryland
Gophers Shutout Terps, 1-0
10/24/2014 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
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BOX SCORE (PDF):
Minnesota 1, Maryland 0 
RECORDS: University of Minnesota (9-7-1, Big Ten Conference 6-4-1); University of Maryland (5-5-6, Big Ten Conference 3-3-5)
The University of Minnesota women's soccer team earned their sixth shutout of the season on Friday night at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium by defeating the University of Maryland Terrapins, 1-0. Senior Katie Thyken tallied her first goal of the season in the 84th minute of play to lift the Gophers over the Terps. Minnesota improves to 9-7-1 on the season and 6-4-1 in conference play.
Throughout the first half, play was evenly matched as the Gophers and Terrapins entered the lockerroom with nearly identical statistics. Each team recorded five shots with one on target and each goalkeeper had tallied one save.
Minnesota entered the field for the second half on fire as they created numerous opportunities to pull ahead while goalkeeper Tarah Hobbs earned three saves on the period. In the 53rd minute of play, Taylor Stainbrook kickstarted the Gophers offense with a shot wide of the goal. Just minutes later, Stainbrook sent a cross into the box to sophomore Simone Kolander who sent the ball just wide of the goal.
With the Gophers knocking at Maryland's door, it was only a matter of time until Thyken found the back of the net to lift the Gophers over the Terps. In the 84th minute of play, Kolander played decoy as she lured the Maryland defense away from the attack. Senior Olivia Schultz found a seam and passed the ball behind the Maryland restraining line to Thyken. The senior fired from 10 out near the left post past the keeper to put the Gophers on the board.
The Terps ended the game leading in both shots and shots on goal but the goal from Thyken sealed the deal for the Gophers who came away victorious. Maryland recorded 14 shots with four on target to Minnesota's 13 with three on frame.
Minnesota will wrap up its final homestand of the season on Sunday against No. 16 Rutgers. The match will kick off at 1 p.m. at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.
GOPHER STAND OUT PERFORMANCES
Senior Katie Thyken, who lead the team in all offensive categories in 2013, scored her first goal of the season on Friday evening to lift the Maroon and Gold over Maryland. Paired with her assist in the Illinois victory, Thyken has three points on the season.
Olivia Schultz tallied her first assist of the season and her career in the Maroon and Gold on the game-winning goal against Maryland. The senior is one of three Gophers to score four goals on the season and with the assist on tonight's goal, she has nine points in 2014.
Senior defender Becca Roberts anchored the defense and had an outstanding game for the Gophers. Sophomore goalkeeper Tarah Hobbs had four saves on the evening to bring her season total to 73 on the season. Hobbs currently holds sixth place in the Minnesota record books for career saves.
Sophomore Josee Stiever and freshman Julianna Gernes both tallied shots on frame during Friday's match. Kolander, Thyken and Stiever recorded three shots apiece.
WHAT IS NEXT:
Minnesota will conclude its regular season home schedule by welcoming No. 16 Rutgers to Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The match is set to begin at 1 p.m. and will be streamed live on BTN Plus.
FOLLOW:
@GopherSoccer on Twitter (#GiveEverything) + Golden Gopher Soccer on Facebook
