University of Minnesota Athletics
2016 Season Look Back
11/23/2016 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
For Minnesota soccer, 2016 was one of the most storied seasons in program history. While the Gophers' run in the NCAA Tournament ended short, there were countless moments that shined bright.
Two Titles
For the first time in program history, Minnesota soccer won both the Big Ten Conference regular season and tournament crowns. The Gophers earned a share of the regular season title, along with Northwestern and Penn State, after notching a 7-1-3 record in conference play. Less than two weeks later, Minnesota went on to win the Big Ten Tournament for the first time since 1995.
Senior StarsOct. 26 âž¡️ Nov. 6 pic.twitter.com/YKNr4NKbzg
- Minnesota Soccer (@GopherSoccer) November 8, 2016
Six Gophers wrapped their collegiate careers this season. Minnesota native Simone Kolander finished her collegiate career with 28 goals and 20 assists. She earned back-to-back Big Ten Forward of the Year honors.
Rashida Beal led Minnesota's back line, playing every minute this season. Beal was named the 2016 Big Ten Defender of the Year, and an Academic All-American.
Goalkeeper Tarah Hobbs broke the program record in shutouts, tallying 33 during her time in maroon and gold. Hobbs logged over 300 saves in her collegiate career.
Midfielder Josee Stiever was named to the All-Big Ten First Team this season; she finished her career with 21 goals and 20 assists.WATCH: @THobbs_00 with TWO big saves. 👇😱https://t.co/01Ht2Ht9vX
- Minnesota Soccer (@GopherSoccer) October 13, 2016
Goalkeeper Mara Dougherty and defender Ashley Pafko were also veteran leaders for the Gophers, appearing in multiple games this season.
Beal, Hobbs, Kolander and Stiever will graduate early this December with hopes of playing professionally.
On the Rise
While the senior class will be missed on and off the pitch, the growth from young Gophers makes for a bright future. Junior Sydney Squires led the team in goals during conference play with five goals. Her eight on the year included two during Minnesota's run in the Big Ten Tournament, as she was named both Most Outstanding Offensive Player to the All-Tournament Team.
Like Beal, Tori Burnett played nearly every minute of the season as a centerback. Burnett was named Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the B1G Tournament, and was named to the All-Tournament Team.
Forward Julianna Gernes stepped up as a starter and tripled her goals with six on the season.Junior @toriburnett was named Defensive Player of the #B1G Tournament. 👀 https://t.co/Ux5pR2Bi2c
- Minnesota Soccer (@GopherSoccer) November 7, 2016
Maddie Gaffney was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team for her efforts on defense. It was the first conference honor for the junior.
Sophomore Molly Fiedler logged seven assists, second-highest on the team behind captain Stiever.
While April Bockin was sidelined for several games due to injury, the sophomore forward was still able to log seven goals and three assists.
After going goalless in her first two seasons at Minnesota, forward Kellie McGahn netted the game-winner over Nebraska and went on to score in three-straight Big Ten games.
Sophomore Emily Heslin emerged as a staple to Minnesota's midfield as she was a starter in all 23 games, compared to one match in 2015. Heslin's first collegiate goal was the game-winner for the Gophers in the tournament title game over Rutgers. She was named to the All-Tournament team for that effort.
Rookie defender Nikki Albrecht was named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team and logged three goals and one assist. Albrecht was a starter in each game of her freshman campaign.WATCH: THAT. JUST. HAPPENED. @EmilyHeslin7 with a goal to bring the #Gophers ahead!https://t.co/jv89Wp6IOb
- Minnesota Soccer (@GopherSoccer) November 6, 2016
Emily Peterson went from playing one game her freshman year, to coming off Minnesota's bench every game as a sophomore.
Freshmen Maya Rajacich and TJ McKendrick also logged significant minutes. Forward Rajacich notched a goal and an assist, while midfielder McKendrick recorded two assists.
Junior Megan Koenig appeared in 17 matches, logging an assist in the Gophers' shutout win at Indiana.
Stefanie Golan was also named Big Ten Coach of the Year for the first time in her five seasons at Minnesota.
Rock(ed) the Robbie
Minnesota fans broke the Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium record with 1,758 fans in attendance for the Big Ten opener against Penn State. The game was one of three sellouts on the season. As the No. 1 seed for the Big Ten Tournament, the Gophers were able to hold the conference tournament at home, as well as their first round game in the NCAA Tournament. Minnesota's home record was an impressive 10-1-2 this season.
Well-RoundedThank you to all of the #Gophers fans that supported us this season. pic.twitter.com/ctTW8gnzca
- Minnesota Soccer (@GopherSoccer) November 13, 2016
Minnesota was dangerous on both sides of the ball in 2016. The Gophers outscored opponents 48-12 while recording 14 shutouts. During the regular season, Minnesota's offense led the Big Ten Conference in goals (42), goals/game (2.21), assists (40), assists/game (2.11), shots (345) and points (124). Maroon and gold defense ranked first in the Big Ten for fewest goals allowed in conference play (3), and second for lowest goals-against average (0.51) and total shutouts (9).
Your 2016 Golden Gophers. 😊️âš½️ pic.twitter.com/nXT88tdft3
- Minnesota Soccer (@GopherSoccer) August 11, 2016
