University of Minnesota Athletics
Thursday, August 17
6:00 PM
University of Minnesota
vs
Niagara
Players Mentioned
Midfielder
/ Soccer
Forward
/ Soccer
Defender
/ Soccer
Forward
/ Soccer
Midfielder/Forward
/ Soccer
Forward
/ Soccer
Forward
/ Soccer
Defender
/ Soccer
Goalkeeper
/ Soccer
Midfielder/Forward
/ Soccer
Forward
/ Soccer
Goalkeeper
/ Soccer
Photo by: Bjorn Franke
Minnesota Hosts Niagara and New Hampshire
8/16/2023 10:55:00 AM | Soccer
The 30th Year of Gopher Soccer begins on Thursday
Minnesota (0-0, 0-0 Big Ten) vs. Niagara (0-0, 0-0 MAAC)
Date: Aug. 17, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. CT
Location: Minneapolis, Minn.
Site: Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium
Twitter: @gophersoccer, @NiagaraWSOC
Minnesota (0-0, 0-0 Big Ten) vs. New Hampshire (0-0, 0-0 America East)
Date: Aug. 20, 2023
Time: 1 p.m. CT
Location: Minneapolis, Minn.
Site: Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium
Twitter: @gophersoccer, @UNHWSOC
Scouting Niagara
Thursday's home opener against the Niagara Purple Eagles marks the first time the two teams have met during the regular season. The Purple Eagles are led by Peter Veltri, who enters his 25th season at the helm of the women's soccer program.
Last fall, Niagara's season ended in the MAAC title match against Quinnipiac. The Purple Eagles finished with a 11-8-1 (6-3-1 MAAC) record with a seven-game unbeaten streak, the longest in program history. Five student-athletes were named to All-MAAC teams to cap off the year.
Scouting New Hampshire
Sunday's match also marks another first for both programs, as the New Hampshire Wildcats come to Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. Prior to the trek to the midwest, New Hampshire kicks off 2023 against Stonehill on Thursday.
The Wildcats are the reigning America East Champions, defeating Binghamton in penalty kicks to secure themselves a spot in the NCAA Tournament, their second in program history. Their season came to an end in the first round against Harvard.
Junior midfielder/forward Meghan Guarente returns to the pitch this season for New Hampshire. Last fall she led in goals (7), assists (7), and points (21).
Newcomers
This season, head coach Erin Chastain and her all-female staff welcome eight freshmen and four transfer students to the mix. Included in the class are a Minnesota Miss Soccer winner (Paige Kalal), the 2023 Minnesota Soccer Gatorade Player of the Year (Taylor Heimerl), the 2021 Big Sky Goalkeeper of the Year (Cam Xu), and two-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year (Megan Nemec).
Returners
Minnesota returns a majority of its offensive production from last season in Sophia Boman, Sophia Romine, Izzy Brown, Khyah Harper, and Christa VanLoon. Defensively, the Maroon and Gold have Elizabeth Overberg and Abi Frandsen in the back along with Megan Plaschko between the pipes.
On the Cusp
Goalkeeper Megan Plaschko is on the verge of entering Minnesota's top five in shutouts this season. Currently, the graduate is tied with Teresa Hearn at No. 6 with 19 shutouts in her career. Currently, she has the second-best goals-against-average of all Minnesota keepers at 0.89. Last season, Plaschko surpassed alum and current assistant coach Tarah Nupson (Tarah Hobbs, 2013-2016). Lindsey Dare (2005-2008) sits at No. 1 with a GAA of 0.65 through 46 games played.
Promotions
Against Niagara, fans can receive free posters along with $2 hot dogs for the 2023 home opener. Fans are also encouraged to donate NEW sports bras to benefit The Sports Bra Project to receive a $5 ticket. Thursday is also community day for Blaine, Champlin, Chaska, and Rosemount residents, buy now to receive $5 tickets.
Sunday's match is Pups on the Pitch! Dogs get in free and fans will get to meet the adoptable dogs from Healing Hearts Rescue and can have their dog participate in the halftime puppy parade. Concession deals include $3 ears of corn and fans are also encouraged to donate NEW sports bras to benefit The Sports Bra Project to receive a $5 ticket. Sunday is also high school day, submit teams rosters for FREE tickets. Postgame, fans have the chance to stick around to get autographs from the team.
Date: Aug. 17, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. CT
Location: Minneapolis, Minn.
Site: Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium
Twitter: @gophersoccer, @NiagaraWSOC
Minnesota (0-0, 0-0 Big Ten) vs. New Hampshire (0-0, 0-0 America East)
Date: Aug. 20, 2023
Time: 1 p.m. CT
Location: Minneapolis, Minn.
Site: Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium
Twitter: @gophersoccer, @UNHWSOC
Scouting Niagara
Thursday's home opener against the Niagara Purple Eagles marks the first time the two teams have met during the regular season. The Purple Eagles are led by Peter Veltri, who enters his 25th season at the helm of the women's soccer program.
Last fall, Niagara's season ended in the MAAC title match against Quinnipiac. The Purple Eagles finished with a 11-8-1 (6-3-1 MAAC) record with a seven-game unbeaten streak, the longest in program history. Five student-athletes were named to All-MAAC teams to cap off the year.
Scouting New Hampshire
Sunday's match also marks another first for both programs, as the New Hampshire Wildcats come to Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. Prior to the trek to the midwest, New Hampshire kicks off 2023 against Stonehill on Thursday.
The Wildcats are the reigning America East Champions, defeating Binghamton in penalty kicks to secure themselves a spot in the NCAA Tournament, their second in program history. Their season came to an end in the first round against Harvard.
Junior midfielder/forward Meghan Guarente returns to the pitch this season for New Hampshire. Last fall she led in goals (7), assists (7), and points (21).
Newcomers
This season, head coach Erin Chastain and her all-female staff welcome eight freshmen and four transfer students to the mix. Included in the class are a Minnesota Miss Soccer winner (Paige Kalal), the 2023 Minnesota Soccer Gatorade Player of the Year (Taylor Heimerl), the 2021 Big Sky Goalkeeper of the Year (Cam Xu), and two-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year (Megan Nemec).
Returners
Minnesota returns a majority of its offensive production from last season in Sophia Boman, Sophia Romine, Izzy Brown, Khyah Harper, and Christa VanLoon. Defensively, the Maroon and Gold have Elizabeth Overberg and Abi Frandsen in the back along with Megan Plaschko between the pipes.
On the Cusp
Goalkeeper Megan Plaschko is on the verge of entering Minnesota's top five in shutouts this season. Currently, the graduate is tied with Teresa Hearn at No. 6 with 19 shutouts in her career. Currently, she has the second-best goals-against-average of all Minnesota keepers at 0.89. Last season, Plaschko surpassed alum and current assistant coach Tarah Nupson (Tarah Hobbs, 2013-2016). Lindsey Dare (2005-2008) sits at No. 1 with a GAA of 0.65 through 46 games played.
Promotions
Against Niagara, fans can receive free posters along with $2 hot dogs for the 2023 home opener. Fans are also encouraged to donate NEW sports bras to benefit The Sports Bra Project to receive a $5 ticket. Thursday is also community day for Blaine, Champlin, Chaska, and Rosemount residents, buy now to receive $5 tickets.
Sunday's match is Pups on the Pitch! Dogs get in free and fans will get to meet the adoptable dogs from Healing Hearts Rescue and can have their dog participate in the halftime puppy parade. Concession deals include $3 ears of corn and fans are also encouraged to donate NEW sports bras to benefit The Sports Bra Project to receive a $5 ticket. Sunday is also high school day, submit teams rosters for FREE tickets. Postgame, fans have the chance to stick around to get autographs from the team.
2025 Season Highlights
Thursday, October 30
Play in Focus: Sarah Martin
Tuesday, October 21
Highlights: Gophers 0, Oregon 0
Sunday, October 19
Highlights: Gophers 2, Washington 3
Friday, October 17