University of Minnesota Athletics
Sunday, November 4
Grand Park - Westfield, Ind.
11:00 AM
University of Minnesota
11-8-2
0
vs
0
#15 Penn State
15-5-1
1
2
OT 4
OT 5
OT 6
F
Minnesota
0
0
0
0
0
0
Penn State
0
0
0
0
0
0
Gophers Claim Big Ten Tournament Title in Penalty Kicks
11/4/2018 1:05:00 PM | Soccer
Minnesota earns automatic bid to NCAA Tournament
WESTFIELD, Ind. – It was 110 minutes of scoreless action before seventh seeded Minnesota soccer claimed the Big Ten Tournament title and automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament advancing in penalty kicks, 5-4. The Gophers (11-8-2) worked past the defending tournament champions and No. 15-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions (15-5-1) in the shot on goal battle 8-4.
"I love this group," said Head Coach Stefanie Golan. "Our senior group is one that logs a lot of minutes and they are super invested. The younger players are stepping up and helping them with that."Â
Senior forward April Bockin was named Offensive Most Outstanding scoring all three of Minnesota's tournament goals along with connecting on a penalty kick in the final. Pitching three-straight shutouts, sophomore goalkeeper Maddie Nielsen was named Defensive Most Outstanding Player of the tournament while collecting 10 saves in the three game stretch. Senior midfielder Emily Heslin was also named to the Big Ten All-Tournament team as the Gophers' captain played in every single minute of the tournament.
In a tightly contested shootout it was apparent the Gophers held the edge. Tied at four makes each heading into the seventh round sophomore Makenzie Langdok found the back of the net before Nielsen's diving save captured the Gophers second Big Ten Tournament title in three seasons.
The Gophers saw some of their best chances 10 minutes into the second half where they strung off four straight shots within a two minute span. Bockin took three of those four where two were on frame. Minnesota continued to hound the Penn State goalkeeper down the stretch. After not taking a shot on goal in the first 45 minutes the Gophers put six on next in the second half.
Minnesota's back line held strong continuing to give the offense opportunities down the stretch. They allowed one second half shot on goal and only two shots in the final 20 minutes before sending the championship match into penalty kicks for the first time in Big Ten tournament history. Â
Receiving the Big Ten automatic bid the Gophers will find out their first round opponent and location during tomorrow's selection show at 3:30 p.m. CT. The selection show will air on NCAA.com.
"I love this group," said Head Coach Stefanie Golan. "Our senior group is one that logs a lot of minutes and they are super invested. The younger players are stepping up and helping them with that."Â
Senior forward April Bockin was named Offensive Most Outstanding scoring all three of Minnesota's tournament goals along with connecting on a penalty kick in the final. Pitching three-straight shutouts, sophomore goalkeeper Maddie Nielsen was named Defensive Most Outstanding Player of the tournament while collecting 10 saves in the three game stretch. Senior midfielder Emily Heslin was also named to the Big Ten All-Tournament team as the Gophers' captain played in every single minute of the tournament.
In a tightly contested shootout it was apparent the Gophers held the edge. Tied at four makes each heading into the seventh round sophomore Makenzie Langdok found the back of the net before Nielsen's diving save captured the Gophers second Big Ten Tournament title in three seasons.
The Gophers saw some of their best chances 10 minutes into the second half where they strung off four straight shots within a two minute span. Bockin took three of those four where two were on frame. Minnesota continued to hound the Penn State goalkeeper down the stretch. After not taking a shot on goal in the first 45 minutes the Gophers put six on next in the second half.
Minnesota's back line held strong continuing to give the offense opportunities down the stretch. They allowed one second half shot on goal and only two shots in the final 20 minutes before sending the championship match into penalty kicks for the first time in Big Ten tournament history. Â
Receiving the Big Ten automatic bid the Gophers will find out their first round opponent and location during tomorrow's selection show at 3:30 p.m. CT. The selection show will air on NCAA.com.
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Team Stats
MINN
PSU
Goals
0
0
Shots
14
17
Shots on Goal
8
4
Saves
4
8
Corners
4
1
Fouls
12
4
Game Leaders
Shots
7
SOG
4
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
1
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
1
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Players Mentioned
Forward
/ Soccer
Midfielder
/ Soccer
Forward
/ Soccer
Goalkeeper
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