Strong Second Half Performance Lifts Gophers Past Auburn, 2-0

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AUBURN, Ala. – An overcast afternoon could not rain on Minnesota soccer's parade as the Gophers captured their first post season road win in program history defeating Auburn, 2-0. Minnesota (12-8-2) found their stride in the second half scoring on a pair of set pieces while Auburn (12-6-2) outshot the Gophers by a narrow 10-9 margin.

"First of all, thank you to Auburn for being such great hosts. The people were super nice and made us feel right at home, it was a fantastic field and what a team," said Head Coach Stefanie Golan. "We knew we were in for a battle when we came, and it clearly was a battle through the course of the game. We finished on two set pieces, which we train set pieces like crazy and we were able to make the most out of those."

After second half adjustments, Minnesota came out strong offensively putting pressure on the Auburn back line. There was no better time than in the 61st minute for senior defender Emily Peterson to chip in her first collegiate goal. April Bockin set up the free kick from 24 yards out before placing it perfectly inside the 18 where Peterson tapped it in breaking her 3,500 plus minute scoring drought.

Looking for one more goal to seal the deal, Minnesota capitalized on a second set piece in the 80th minute. Bockin's corner made it in front of the net where Emily Heslin flicked it back to Megan Gray for the finish.

In a multi-assist performance, Bockin now has 27 career assist to move up to third all-time in program history.

A fairly even first half sent both teams into the locker rooms scoreless while Auburn held the shooting edge 5-4. Maddie Nielsen set the tone picking up two early saves before Minnesota could go the other way to fire off the final two shots of the half in the 20th and 22nd minute.

Nielsen, picking up her fourth-consecutive shutout, fell one save short of tying her career-high with five.

Advancing to the second round for the second time in three seasons, the Gophers will hit the road to face the winner of the UCLA/San Jose State match up on Friday, Nov. 16 at a time and place to be determined.

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