University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
10-8-2 (5-3-0)
North Carolina State
16-3-4 (7-1-3)
Gophers Fall in NCAA Tournament Shootout
11/12/2016 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
The University of Minnesota fell to NC State in a shootout in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship on Saturday night at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.
After 110-minutes of play, the game resulted in a 0-0 tie, and shifted to a penalty kick shootout to determine who would advance to the next round. The Wolfpack won the shutout, 4-2, and will play Pepperdine next week.
"We were willing to dream big this year," head coach Stefanie Golan said. "This team has so much heart and was able to accomplish things the program hadn't done before."
NC State led the game in shots (14-13) and shots on goal (8-2), while Minnesota had the edge in corner kick opportunities (3-1).
After a slow first half, the Gophers came out with better rhythm, but were unable to capitalize. Josee Stiever led the team with four shots, while Kellie McGahn and Sydney Squires each recorded a shot on goal.
Goalkeeper Tarah Hobbs closed her career with a program record of 33 shutouts. In tonight's match, she tallied eight saves, the most in any game this season.
In the shootout, NC State's Taylor Porter, Tziarra King, Hannah Keogh and Ricarda Walkling found the back of the net. Julianna Gernes and Maya Rajacich made penalty kicks for the Gophers.
Minnesota finished the season with a record of 16-3-4 (7-1-3), the best program record since the 2008.
"This senior class made so much headway and will be leaving a legacy for the younger players of what's possible when you're willing to commit and come out every single day and give all you have to be 5% better," Golan said.
