(St. Paul, MN) — Highlighted by a Khyah Harper hat-trick, the University of Minnesota soccer team defeated the University of St. Thomas 4-1 at South Soccer Field on Sunday afternoon.
The Gophers (2-0-0, 0-0-0 B1G) were led by Harper who registered three goals and an assist over the Tommies (0-2-1, 0-0-0 Summit League). Following behind, Sophia Romine scored one goal and assisted Harper’s first goal. Goalkeeper Sarah Martin picked up her second career win along with three saves.
Minnesota took an early lead in the fifth minute. Harper connected a cross to Romine, who scored off her right foot.
After a quiet 35 minutes, Harper extended Minnesota’s lead off an assist from Fiona Skwierawski. The assist is Skwierawski’s first of her career.
Harper was quick to get Minnesota started coming out of the locker room. In the 50th minute, Harper added insurance for the lead with assists from Romine and Ashley Thurk.
With 12 minutes remaining, Abby Hoiska got St. Thomas on the board.
The Gophers responded quickly as Harper secured her first career hat-trick with four minutes remaining. After Caroline Birdsell’s initial shot was blocked by the Tommies’ keeper, Harper took advantage of the rebound to finish.
Before returning home on Sept. 5 against Army, Minnesota hits the road to face Milwaukee and Marquette this weekend.
(info and photo courtesy of Gopher Sports)
