University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Loyola Marymount
Gophers Close 2015 Campaign
11/20/2015 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Box Score
MORGANTOWN, W.V. - The University of Minnesota women's soccer team closed the 2015-16 season campaign after a 1-0 loss to the Lions of Loyola Marymount in the second round of the NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Tournament.
"We're certainly really disappointed to not be moving on," said head coach Stefanie Golan. "We played well for the majority of the game but just in those first four minutes, we had a little miscommunication that resulted in a goal against us. We certainly felt that we created enough opportunities, we were able to settle into the game, connect a lot of passes and get the ball on the ground, which is where we want it. Credit to LMU for scoring on a mistake that we made."
On the season, the Gophers finished with an overall record of 12-7-3.
"This is one of the best seasons that I've had in this program and to be a senior and to go out like this is something that I could only wish for," said senior co-captain Haley Helverson. "I thank all my teammates, my coaches and everyone that has supported us. Being ranked number one in the Big Ten for so long is something that Minnesota has never predicted to do and being picked sixth is something that we enjoy because we like to be the underdog. Making it this far in the NCAA tournament is better than what I've personally done in the program, so I'm very happy going out like this."
"I think this was an awesome way to finish out," said redshirt senior Taylor Stainbrook. "We went further than I ever have in my years here and I'm very proud of everyone."
The lone goal of the second round match was scored by LMU in the fourth minute of play, by sophomore Sarah Sanger off an assist by senior Morgan Hilby.
In the first half, the Gophers notched eight shots to LMU's six, along with tallying three corner kicks, three fouls and made two saves.
"They [LMU] are very direct and very physical and it's difficult when you're a team like us that's possession-oriented style and every time the ball turns over, it's back in your end and you're working to build again," said Golan. "I thought our kids did a great job of battling through that and getting to a point where we put our stamp on the game."
Despite their efforts, Minnesota was unable score an equalizer with the final result in favor of the Lions.
In goal, junior goalkeeper Tarah Hobbs closed with a season record of 11-7-3.
Throughout the match, Minnesota tallied 15 shots, three corner kicks, made four saves and had eight fouls.
"We really really proud of our girls and the season that we had," said Golan. "We had a lot of high moments and we went through a tough stretch that we were able to rebound from and put ourselves in a position to be here and to be one of the last 32 teams playing. I'm certainly very proud of all of the effort the team has put forth all season and we talked after the game that we build from here. The seniors got to play in two NCAA tournaments. The first time that we were there, we went out in the first round. Next time we were there, we went out in the second round so we are only building and it's a bright future ahead."
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