University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Indiana
Schultz Scores Golden Goal in 2OT
9/28/2014 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
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BOX SCORE (PDF): Minnesota 2, Indiana 1 
RECORDS: University of Minnesota (6-5-0, Big Ten Conference 3-2-0); Indiana University (5-7-0, Big Ten Conference 1-5-0)
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The University of Minnesota women's soccer team defeated Indiana University in double overtime, 2-1, on Sunday afternoon at Jerry Yeagley Field. Despite falling behind early to the Hoosiers, Minnesota rallied scoring a goal in the 75th minute of play to even the score at 1. In the second overtime period, senior Olivia Schultz scored the golden goal securing the Gophers sixth win of the season and third in conference play. Minnesota improves to 6-5-0 overall while Indiana falls for the fifth time this season in conference play.
Indiana University gained a lead over the Maroon and Gold early as Kayla Smith scored her second goal of the season in the 7th minute of play. Minnesota did not see a shot until the 20th minute of play when sophomore Simone Kolander took a shot from the corner of the box in the Gophers first scoring opportunity of the game. Freshmen Kellie McGahn and Sydney Squires as well as junior Haley Helverson and senior Taylor Wodnick all tallied shots in the first half for Minnesota.
The Golden Gophers came out in the final half hungry for the equalizer as they fired shots and earned two corners in the opening minutes of the period. Sophomore defender Ashley Pafko stepped up and scored the equalizer in the 75th minute of play. A long shot from 30 yards out that hit the crossbar and fell straight down to cross the goal line kept the Gophers in the game as they tied it up with 15 minutes remaining. Junior Taylor Stainbrook was awarded the assist on the goal.
In the second half the Gophers fired nine shots including Pafko's goal. Seniors Katie Thyken and Wodnick as well as Taylor Stainbrook, Josee Stiever and Rachel McCloskey all contributed shots while Kolander and Stiever had shots on target. Sophomore GK Tarah Hobbs had one save during the second half and two other stand out moments as she teamed up with the defense to stop the Hoosiers from pulling out ahead.
At the end of regulation the game was knotted at 1 as both teams moved into their fourth overtime game of the season. Going into today's match, the Gophers were 1-2-0 in overtime situations with the last appearance resulting in a victory over Michigan State in the opening weekend of conference play.
The first overtime period concluded with no result as both teams fought for the golden opportunity. But in the 105th minute of play, senior Becca Roberts took a free kick from the right far side, serving the ball into the box where both Indiana defenders and the Gophers scarmbled to either clear or score. Senior Olivia Schultz connected and put the ball in the back of the net from 12 yards out to lift the Maroon and Gold over Indiana.
The victory for Minnesota marks their first comeback victory of the season as each of their previous five wins had resulted in a shutout. Minnesota led Indiana in shots 15-10 overall with five shots on goal to the Hoosiers two. The weekend also marks the first sweep on the road of the season.
Minnesota will host Penn State and Ohio State next weekend at the Robbie after a month on the road. The Penn State game is on Friday evening with a 7 p.m. kick off at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.
GOPHER STAND OUT PERFORMANCES
Ashley Pafko kept the Gophers alive scoring the equalizer in the 75th minute of play. The goal marks her second of the season, the first coming in the first weekend of the season against Florida State. She also has two assists combining for a total of six points on the season.
Olivia Schultz had her best game of the season as she lead the Maroon and Gold to victory. She has three goals on the season and has seven shots with six of those shots on target.
Taylor Stainbrook notched her third assist of the season to help Pafko score the equalizer while senior Becca Roberts paired up with Schultz to grab the golden goal to end the game. Both Pafko and Roberts are defenders.
Tarah Hobbs had one save during today's match for a total of 41 on the season.
UP NEXT
The Gophers will return to Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium next weekend after spending a month on the road. Minnesota will host Big Ten Conference front runner Penn State on Friday evening before squaring up with the Buckeyes from Ohio State University on Sunday afternoon. The matches will begin at 7 p.m. and 1 p.m. respectively. To buy single game tickets, please visit mygophersports.com or call 1-800-U-Gopher.
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