Bockin’s Game-Winner Upsets No. 21 Rutgers, Gophers Headed to Big Ten Semifinals

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PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Big Ten Forward of the Year April Bockin netted the game-winning goal in the closing minutes of regulation to give Minnesota soccer a Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal victory and upset win over No. 21 Rutgers, 1-0. The Gophers (10-8-1) outshot the host Scarlet Knights (11-3-5) by a 9-4 margin while also holding the edge in corner kicks 3-2.

In the 88th minute, Molly Fiedler controlled in the middle third before finding Emily Heslin who was running right down the middle of the pitch. Following a touch, Heslin played it to Bockin at the top of the box where her shot went right past the Rutgers goalkeeper.

Now with eight career game-winning goals, Bockin moves into the Gophers career top-10 while Fiedler collected career assist number 25 to tie Bockin, Erin Hussey and Corinne Bolder for fifth all-time.

Starting goalkeeper Maddie Nielsen set the tone early coming out towards the top of the penalty box to stop the only Rutgers shot of the first half. Nielsen continued to stay strong making three great saves in the second half to total four in the match.

It was a fairly even first half as the teams went into the break scoreless. Minnesota came out of the gates looking to score as Heslin's shot in the first two minutes was blocked. Midway through Bockin had a pair of good looks but the Rutgers goalkeeper made a save before Bockin's second shot was just wide left.

Minnesota travels to Westfield, Ind. and Grand Park for the Big Ten Semifinals on Friday, Nov. 2 at 12:30 p.m. C.T. The Gophers will take on the winner of No. 3 Ohio State and No. 6 Nebraska.

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