Macalester College: 1-0

A truly thrilling match this Saturday as the girls faced off against Macalester College, in an overtime match yet again.  As our results against Macalester have been very difficult in the past, it was incredible to not only see the match go into overtime, but to see the dominance and attacking flair that the girls displayed on the field during the game and overtime!

The girls really stepped up their pressure, pushing high up the field and really stringing together some fantastic buildups, really controlling play for multiple long stretches of play.  Junior Brittany Chase was an absolute workhorse with her movement up top, constantly looking to get the ball at her feet and test the defense, which worked fantastic with central midfield pair Monica Pelkey and Sophie Leininger connecting magnificently through the middle, working the ball side to side, and forward and back, including everybody into the attack.  We’re also very proud of sophomore goalkeeper Roisen Granlund for stepping up with some big saves after senior Caroline Olsen suffered an injury midway through the first half.

The girls really worked throughout every minute of the game and had everybody at the field believing the result would be in our favor, especially midway into the second overtime period as sophomore attacker Jana Elliot got on the end of a magically placed cross from freshman Molly Johnston right behind the defense and connected with an excellent volley, forcing the goalkeeper to make a highlight save to keep her side in the match, unfortunately leading to a momentous buildup out of the back which resulted in a Macalester one touch finish from distance being placed right into the corner out of reach of Roisen.

Although the result didn’t go our way, it was a great game for everybody watching.  The girls played for the win, which the coaching staff will encourage every day of the week.  They played their hearts out this Saturday and left it all out on the pitch, but sometimes that just how soccer is; momentum can shift at any second and effect the final score line. We’re now very anxious to continue this attacking energy though, as the girls travel now to Menomonie, WI to face off with UW-Stout on Wednesday, October 22.

Women’s Soccer Downed By Macalester 1-0

Posted on October 18th, 2014 by Nick Hoelmer

St. Peter, Minn. – The Gustavus Adolphus women’s soccer team was downed by Macalester College 1-0 on Saturday afternoon on the Gustie Soccer Field in double overtime. With the loss, Gustavus falls to 1-10-3 overall and 0-6-2 in the MIAC, while Macalester moves to 7-6-1 overall and 3-4-1 in the MIAC.

“Despite another heartbreaking loss, we are proud of how well our team played,” said head coach Laura Burnett-Kurie. “Our passing was crisp, our defense was solid and we created dangerous opportunities forcing their backline and goalkeeper to come up with big saves.”

Gustavus forward Jana Elliott (So., Eagan, Minn.) had an opportunity to give the Gusties their first conference victory of the season on a shot two minutes into the second overtime period, but it just missed wide right to extend the game. Less than two minutes later, Macalester took advantage when Scot senior midfielder Hannah Walker received a cross from teammate Hannah Pollard-Garber to score her second goal of the season and seal the game for Macalester.

“This game showed the true nature of soccer, you can miss a great opportunity and have the momentum and then the next thing you know the other team puts the ball in the back of the net,” said Burnett-Kurie. “It just takes that one play to change the outcome of a game and unfortunately, we’ve been on the wrong side of that play for several overtime games this year.”

Gustavus goalkeeper Roisen Granlund (So., St. Paul, Minn.) saw her record drop to 0-2-0 on the season after coming in approximately 32 minutes into the game when starting goalkeeper Caroline Olson (Sr., York, Penn.) sustained a head injury. Granlund allowed one goal and made three saves in 71:34, while Olson allowed no goals and made one save in 31:56.

“At the end of the day, it’s not all about winning and losing, it’s about improving every game, fighting until the end and having the confidence to keep believing in our style of play,” said Burnett-Kurie. “Our girls are embracing that, which is fantastic and we can’t complain about the heart they are putting into the season.”

The Gusties’ next action will be on Wednesday when the team travels to Menomonie, Wisconsin for their last non-conference contest with UW-Stout at 7 p.m.