Gophers Conclude Regular Season With Draw Against Wisconsin

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MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota soccer (5-3-3) played to a 1-1 double-overtime draw against Wisconsin (6-3-2) on Saturday afternoon in the regular season finale at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.

Entering Saturday, the matchup between the Gophers and Badgers figured to be a defensive showdown. Wisconsin came into the contest with a Big Ten-leading seven shutouts, while Minnesota ranked second with six shutouts of their own.

Through the first 45 minutes of play, that is precisely how the game played out as the two teams entered halftime scoreless. Minnesota and Wisconsin registered an even three shots in the first half, with the Gophers commanding a 3-0 edge in corner kicks.

In the second half, Wisconsin got the action going early in the 50^th minute of play. Emma Jaskaniec sent a cross into the box to Sophia Romine, who finished the ball into the back of the net to give the Badgers a 1-0 lead.

Minnesota wasted no time responding, however, storming back in the 53^rd minute for the equalizer. McKenna Buisman played a beautiful ball to Abi Frandsen, who beat the Wisconsin goalkeeper for her first career goal to knot the game up at 1-1.

What a response from @AbiFrandsen and the #Gophers!

We're all tied up at ELR! pic.twitter.com/fNqlvnTZww
— Minnesota Soccer (@GopherSoccer) April 3, 2021

For the duration of the second half, the two teams traded chances but neither was able to find a game-winner. At the end of the first 90 minutes, Minnesota held an advantage in shots (8-7) while holding even with Wisconsin in corners (5-5).

Throughout both overtime periods, Wisconsin came right at Minnesota with several scoring opportunities. The Maroon & Gold defense successfully thwarted five Badger shots, with goalkeeper Megan Plaschko recording three saves in overtime to raise her game total to four.

In the 107th minute, Wisconsin's Cameron Murtha snuck a shot past Plaschko as she came out to challenge. Making a game-saving play, Katie Koker arrived on the scene from the left side to make a team save and clear the potential golden goal.

At the end of 110 minutes of play, the contest ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw. Wisconsin finished with an edge in shots (12-8) and shots on goal (6-5), while the two teams each had seven corners in the game.

Buisman was the lone Gopher to notch multiple shots in the game with two. Sophia Boman, Katie Duong, Frandsen, Sadie Harper and Makenzie Langdok all put shots on goal in the game.

Boman, Duong, Athena Kuehn, Plaschko and Delaney Stekr each started and played all 110 minutes for Minnesota.

Notable
Frandsen's equalizer in the 53^rd minute marked the first goal and points in the freshman's young career.

Minnesota is now 5-3-3 on the season and is tied for seventh place in the Big Ten standings as the team awaits their fate in Big Ten regional play.

Quotable
"I thought it was a hard-fought game today and there are definitely some positives to take away," head coach Stefanie Golan said. "What a goal for Abi's first goal as a Gopher. We scored to tie it up very quickly, which is a huge step forward. Koker saving the one that got past Plaschko was awesome. This group has really come together this year and is fighting for one another in big ways. While we wanted the W and to play at home next weekend, we are proud of this group's progress and looking forward to another opportunity at the regional weekend."

Up Next
The Maroon & Gold await their fate in Big Ten regional play, which is scheduled to be played from April 8-11 at various host sites.

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