University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
1-0-1
North Dakota State
0-2-0
Gophers Dominate In Home Opener
8/21/2017 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Aug. 21, 2017
Tickets: Gophers Return Home Sept. 1 to Host UC Santa Barbara
The Minnesota Golden Gophers took down North Dakota State University in the home opener at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium 3-0 in front of 1,662 fans, the fourth most in program history.
Minnesota got goals from two seniors, including a blast from senior Megan Koenig. Minnesota outshot the Bison 17-2 in the game, including nine on goal.
"Megan did a great job at recognizing that the goalie was off the back line and put in a Sportscenter Top Ten goal," Golan said. "All of our goals were of great quality, but what I am most excited about is the number of quality chances we created across the board."
Senior Sydney Squires started the scoring off in minute 10 with a header on the left side of the goal. Her goal came off a gorgeous cross from senior Megan Koenig.
"We are happy with the overall performance, it was really important to come back off of a tough road trip and have a really strong performance," said Golan. "We moved the ball really well and created better quality opportunities. I thought the pieces came together very well for us as a team."
Seven minutes later, junior captain Emily Heslin who beat the Bison goalkeeper. On a free kick in the 17th minute, Heslin sent a bender to the top right corner and had the crowd on its feet. Heslin's goal is her first since her game-winner last season in the Big Ten Tournament championship game.
At the half, it was all Gophers. Minnesota led in shots 7-0 with the defense halting the Bison attack all night long. The Bison did not register a shot until the 57th minute in the game.
17'- THE BENDER! Heslin's free kick slides into the top right corner. Her first goal of the 2017 season! 2-0 #Gophers lead! pic.twitter.com/2IlTgyHE6M
-- Minnesota Soccer (@GopherSoccer) August 22, 2017
"We play a style that not a lot of people play, we are willing to take risks and keep the field as small as we can," Golan said. "We are really confident in our defenders ability to read the game and be there first to clean things up. I think that group has really good chemistry right now."
Minnesota went right back to work in the second half. Koenig blasted a 35-yard rocket past into the back of the net. Koenig's goal was her third career goal, and first since 2015. Burnett was credited with the assist on Koenig's one touch finish.
Sharp made her first save of the evening in the 63rd minute with a diving save. Sharp saw just two shots, and the other sailed high.
Minnesota dominated the offensive end in the game, outworking the Bison for eight corner kicks to the Bison zero.
The next game for the Maroon and Gold will be a tough test against No. 18 Notre Dame (1-0-1) in a neutral site game in Iowa City, Iowa on Aug. 25 at 5:00 p.m.
Team Stats
Squires, Sydney (1)
Assisted By: Koenig, Megan
GOAL by MINN Squires, Sydney (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Koenig, Megan, goal number 1 for season.
9:11
Heslin, Emily (1)
GOAL by MINN Heslin, Emily, goal number 1 for season.
16:45
Koenig, Megan (1)
Assisted By: Burnett, Tori
GOAL by MINN Koenig, Megan, Assist by Burnett, Tori, goal number 1 for season.
46:58
