Saint Benedict: 3-0

It was a hard fought battle this weekend as the girls lost 3-0 to Saint Benedict out at the Johnnies training grounds.  The game began at a very fast tempo, as the girls were able to threaten the Blazers back line numerous times in the first half, creating a handful of chances in the 18 yard box which unfortunately, couldn’t find the back of the net. The girls did great to hold a high pressure throughout the field, conceding the first two goals only on corner kicks.

Going in to the match, the Gusties lineup was without senior captain, Karlye Smith, as our lone returning defender in the back line, but freshman Jenna Kivley stepped up to the occasion for her first start of the year.  The back four did fantastic to step up and avoid many dangerous attacks by the Blazers’ talented strikers, but eventually it came down to set pieces, which we knew would be difficult to defend from the MIAC leading Blazers.

Injuries struck again during the game, as our second center defender for the week fell to the ground in a difficult tackle, forcing freshman Emily Odermatt to leave the pitch as her teammate Josie Mazzonne had to shift over into her place.  We  were impressed with their ability to adapt to the game and their new roles as our back line seemed to be ever-changing in the second half, but the girls held strong as they battled for all 90 minutes.

As the girls recover, we anxiously look forward to our next match, coming up Wednesday, October 1, against Saint Mary’s University on the road in Winona, MN at 7pm.

Women’s Soccer Falls To Saint Benedict 3-0

Posted on September 27th, 2014 by Nick Hoelmer

First-Year Emily Odermatt tied for the team lead in shots taken on Saturday Afternoon

Collegeville, Minn. – After notching its first victory of the season this past Tuesday against Crown College, the Gustavus Adolphus women’s soccer team could not keep the momentum flowing on Saturday afternoon in a MIAC matchup with the College of Saint Benedict. The Gusties fell 3-0 to the MIAC-leading Blazers to bring their record to 1-5-2 (0-2-1 MIAC), while Saint Benedict moves to 8-1-1 (3-0-0 MIAC).

“We came out strong from the start and created several dangerous opportunities from the get-go,” said head coach Laura Burnett-Kurie. “If we had been able to put one of those away it would have changed the dynamic of the game.”

Saint Benedict outshot Gustavus 9-1 in the opening 30 minutes and the Blazer’s 10th shot by Taylor Hedin from Gracie Vaughan went past Gustie goalkeeper Caroline Olson (Sr., York, Penn.) to put the Blazers up 1-0 at the 30:18 mark. Saint Ben’s scored its next goal exactly 30 minutes later on a Jenna Kleason header from Mariah Williams.

“Eventually it came down to set pieces, which going into the game we know they were strong on,” said Burnett-Kurie. “That proved true as their first two goals were off corners. For the first 60 minutes, we played hard and battled which is promising against a top team in, not only the conference, but the region.”

The Blazers scored their final goal less than 30 seconds after their third goal on an unassisted goal by Vaughan. Vaughan’s goal and assist on the day put her at 10 total points on the season.

Saint Benedict outshot Gustavus 26-8 on the day and it also held the advantage on corner kicks 4-2.

Blazer keepers Megan Favorite and Heather Kaluzniak split time between the posts, marking the sixth time this season the two keepers have split halves to combine for a clean sheet. Olson took the loss for the Gusties after allowing three goals and making six saves.

“It was quite promising to see players step up and work hard to make a difference and positively impact the game,” said Burnett-Kurie. “We are goiong to carry those positives into Wednesday’s matchup and we are excited for another tough conference match.”

The Gusties will travel to Winona, Minnesota on Wednesday evening to take on Saint Mary’s University under the lights. That match will begin at 7 p.m.