University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Penn State
Players Mentioned
Gophers Set for Big Ten Home Opener
9/24/2019 2:44:00 PM | Soccer
The Minnesota soccer team plays their first home conference game on Friday against Penn State before facing Ohio State the following Sunday. Both games feature multiple promotions for Gophers fans.
Friday night's game is "Rock the Robbie!" night where fans can check out the Gophers Big Ten Home Opener for only $1. Plus, the first 250 fans in attendance also will receive a limited edition Gophers soccer scarf.
Sunday's game features several great promotions including our the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium as well as 2nd Annual Kids Fest. The Kids Fest will feature a free face painter, a special gift from Gopher Soccer, as well as an opportunity to participate in "100 Kids vs Gopher Soccer."
The 20th Anniversary Celebration of Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium will welcome Deborah Olson, who's generous donation helped build the stadium in honor of her mother, as well as new University President Joan Gabel along with members of the athletic administration and loyal supporters of women's athletics.
Plus, all fans will also have an opportunity to donate to a wonderful cause. The Sanneh foundation will be collecting any unwanted soccer equipment. The foundation, named for former MLS professional Tony Sanneh, "empower youth by supporting and promoting educational attainment through in-school and after-school support."
Both games will be streamed live on BTN+.
SERIES HISTORY
Throughout Gophers program history, the team has taken the Nittany Lions 29 times and the Buckeyes 27 times.
The all-time series stands at 22-5-2 in Penn State's favor after the two team's split a pair of games last year. After losing in the regular season, the Gophers defeated Penn State in the postseason on penalty kicks to win the Big Ten Tournament Championships.
Against Ohio State, the Gophers trail the all-time series 11-12-4 in a razor-thin margin. Eight of those 27 contest have gone to extra time.
DRESSELY STARTING
After playing sparingly her freshman year, Alana Dressely has come on strong her sophomore season, starting 5 matches, and appearing in every match to date.
Dressely, a Cottage Grove, Minnesota, native, has been a reliable option in the back half that can also drive the ball up the field when necessary. She already has a pair of shots on the season.
CREATING CHANCES
The Gophers have outshot both of their Big Ten opponents this season after outshooting Rutgers 6-5 on Friday night and Maryland 17-16 on Sunday afternoon. The disparity is even wider in the second half of play.
The Gophers have picked things up in the second half of games since conference play began on Sept. 20. In that contest the Maroon and Gold outshot the Scarlet Knights 3-1 in the second stanza. Just two days later against Maryland, the Gophers outshot their hosts 11-9 to close out the game.Across those two games the Gophers had nine shots in the first half and 14 in the second half.
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
With the debut of Linnea Yacovella against South Dakota State, the Gophers now have five of their ten freshmen playing key minutes. Out of 95 shots as a team, the freshman class has combined for 35 of that total.