University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
4-2-2
Wisconsin
7-1-0
Gophers Lose in Overtime to Badgers
9/16/2017 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
The University of Minnesota soccer team dropped their opening match of the Big Ten season against No. 9 Wisconsin in overtime on a penalty kick.
The Gophers (4-2-2, 0-1-0 Big Ten) have now lost both of their games on penalty kicks this season.
Minnesota was outshot 19-6 in the game, the first time this season the Gophers have not outshot their opponent. Although the shots were in favor of the Badgers, the Gophers were much more accurate. Four of the six shots for Minnesota were on goal, with the Badgers only having five of 19 on goal.
"We started a little slow today, but as the game wore on I thought we became stronger and stronger." head coach Stefanie Golan said. "We had just as many quality opportunities today, but if goal scoring was easy, everyone would do it."
Kailee Sharp tied her season and career-high in saves in a match with four. Megan Koenig had two shots on goal for the Gophers to lead the way statistically.
"A lot of the chances for Wisconsin were from distance, and that is totally fine. Kailee had those covered all day today," Golan said.
The Badgers took control early in the match, with nine shots in the first half to Minnesota's two. Minnesota responded with four shots in the second half, and had three shots on goal.
The Gophers defense held the Badgers outside the box throughout the game, keeping shots long and inaccurate. Molly Fiedler made a big save in the 75th minute after a scramble in front of the net, keeping the game scoreless.
April Bockin also made an impact for the Gophers in the second half. After substituting back in, the Eden Prairie native fired a shot that was saved and had a corner kick that nearly resulted in a goal for the visiting Gophers.
Next up the Gophers will return home to face the Michigan Wolverines on the Big Ten Network. The Thursday game will kick off at 6 p.m. at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.
Team Stats
Rhodes, Dani (5)
WIS Rhodes, Dani PENALTY KICK GOAL, goal number 5 for season.
96:10
