University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Ready for Northwestern on the Road
10/20/2016 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
| GAME 18: #13 Minnesota (12-3-2, 6-1-2) at #23 Northwestern (13-1-2, 6-1-2) | |
| Date | Saturday, Oct. 22 |
| Time | 6:00 p.m. Central |
| Location | Martin Stadium | Evanston, Ill. |
| Live Stats | SIDEARM |
| Live Stream | Unavailable |
| Radio | WNURSports |
| Social Media | @GopherSoccer | Facebook | Instagram |
No. 13 Minnesota is set for its final road trip of the regular season as they meet No. 23 Northwestern on Saturday, Oct. 22 in Evanston, Ill. Both teams are currently tied for second in the Big Ten Conference standings with just two games left. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT at Martin Stadium.
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
Northwestern enters the weekend with a record of 13-1-2 (6-1-2), and is coming off a win over Iowa and draw with Nebraska. Goalkeeper Lauren Clem leads the Big Ten with 12 shutouts this season, while Brenna Lovera leads Northwestern with six goals. Minnesota leads the all-time series between the Gophers/Wildcats with a 15-7-0 record. Minnesota did not face Northwestern last season. Their most recent meeting was in 2014, when Northwestern won 1-0 in Evanston.
IN THE RANKS
Minnesota is currently ranked No. 13 in the NSCAA among Division I programs. The Gophers have been ranked for nine straight weeks this season, and are currently the highest ranked among Big Ten teams. Minnesota is ranked 21 in the latest RPI.
LAST TIME OUT
Minnesota is coming off a win and a draw from their trip to Michigan. The Gophers earned a 2-1 win at Michigan State (Oct. 13) with juniors Kellie McGahn and Sydney Squires scoring goals. Minnesota tied then-ranked Michigan on the road in a 0-0 double overtime battle where the Gophers led all aspects of the game.
GOLDEN NOTES
- Minnesota is just one point out of first place in conference standings with two games left in the regular season. The Gophers were picked to finish sixth.
- Minnesota leads the Big Ten in goals (36), goals/game (2.12), assists (34), assists/game (2), points (106), shots (290).
- Simone Kolander leads the Big Ten in points (27), points per game (1.59) and is tied with Penn State's Frannie Crouse in goals (11).
- Tarah Hobbs has recorded six shutouts in conference play (Ohio State, Indiana, Purdue, Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan).
- Minnesota has outscored their opponents 36-10 this season, including a 17-3 edge in conference play.
- Three Gophers have more than five goals so far this season: Simone Kolander (11), Josee Stiever (7), April Bockin (7).
- Seniors Rashida Beal, Tarah Hobbs, Simone Kolander and Josee Stiever will be graduating early this December in hopes of playing professional soccer.
- Starting forwards Simone Kolander and Kellie McGahn are first cousins.
