Gophers Comeback Falls Short in Overtime Loss to No. 1 Stanford, 2-1

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MINNEAPOLIS – With the sun shining and 1,443 fans in attendance, the eighth largest crowd in Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium history, Minnesota soccer went neck and neck with No. 1 Stanford falling in overtime, 2-1. Senior midfielder Molly Fiedler had the Gophers only goal of the match with the assist coming from freshman Patricia Ward.

"After the game we spoke of how the way we played today is our standard," said Head Coach Stefanie Golan. "We had a lot of momentum in the later part of the game and we put a team that is able to impart their will on anyone uncomfortable. Our team is coming off of this one disappointed, but excited about the way we competed the entire time that we were out there."

Sometimes it only takes one and that saying held true for the Gophers. Heading into the 75th minute the Gophers were without out a shot in the match until Ward found some open space near the touch line. Playing deep into the Gopher attacking third, Ward crossed a ball right through a Stanford defender's legs finding an open Fiedler. With no hesitation Fiedler scored the equalizer from 7 yards out.

The goal was the first open play goal that Stanford has allowed in over a year which comes out to just over 2,243 minutes.

In overtime, Stanford netted the golden goal in the 94th minute as Sam Hiatt sneaked one between the posts following a corner kick.

Stanford broke through on the scoreboard after firing a pair of shots early on the Gopher defense. Minnesota tried to clear out a cross but the ball played perfectly to Stanford's Beattie Goad who fired one to the back of the net in the 20th minute.

Maddie Nielsen kept the Gophers within reach after a diving save in the 58th minute following a long-distance attempt from the Cardinal midfield. Despite allowing a pair of goals, Nielsen collected four saves.

Minnesota was without a shot in the first half while being outshot 16-2 in total.

Up next the Gophers welcome North Dakota State to ELR Stadium to close out non-conference play on Friday, Sept. 7. First touch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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