Caroline Birdsell’s game-winning goal in the 83rd minute lifted the University of Minnesota women’s soccer team (6-6-1, 2-4-1 Big Ten) to its first-ever win over Southern California (7-4-2, 4-3-0 Big Ten) in program history on Thursday evening at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium in front of 600 fans. The final score was 2-1.
Birdsell (22) celebrates the go ahead goal
The Golden Gophers were led by Paige Kalal and Birdsell, who each recorded a goal and an assist for four points apiece. Freya Jupp also tallied an assist on Kalal’s goal.
Minnesota outshot the Trojans 14-12 as a team. Goalkeeper Sarah Martin had six saves.
Minnesota struck early in the second minute. Birdsell gained possession in the center circle and played a long ball to Jupp, who dribbled down the right sideline and sent a cross to Kalal for the finish.
A lightning delay paused play in the 15th minute, halting the first half for about an hour.
The Trojans tied the match in the 23rd minute after Tyra Chu fouled Jaiden Anderson in the box, awarding USC a penalty kick. Maribel Flores’ initial shot was saved by Minnesota goalkeeper Sarah Martin, but Anderson converted the rebound.
Coming out of halftime, the Gophers pressed and outshot the Trojans 6-5 in the second half.
Minnesota earned a free kick late in the match. Kalal stepped up and delivered a cross into the 18-yard box, where Birdsell rose and headed the ball into the net for her third goal of the season and the game-winner.
The Maroon and Gold return to action on Sunday to face No. 9 UCLA at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.
(info and photo courtesy of Gopher Sports)
