After a two-goal performance in the second half, No. 6 Minnesota defeated No. 3 South Carolina, 2-1 in the second round of the NCAA Women’s Soccer Championships. The Golden Gophers dance on and improve their record to 14-4-3 (6-3-2 B1G) while South Carolina finishes its season with a record of 11-4-7 (5-2-3 SEC).
For the first time in 14 years, Minnesota advances to the Sweet 16. The win marks the second NCAA Tournament win for head coach Erin Chastain and the furthest she has gone in the Big Dance in her history at the helm of any program.
The ‘U’ led South Carolina in shots (16-15) and shots on goal (8-2). Senior Khyah Harper had seven chances while graduate Sophia Boman and sophomore Paige Kalal followed behind with three apiece. Boman and graduate Sophia Romine finished Minnesota’s goals, both coming in the second half.
The Gamecocks got on the board first nine minutes into the match. Katie Shea Collins found the back of the net off an assist from Corinna Zullo. The Gophers would trail by one heading into the locker room.
In the 57th minute, Harper drew a foul in the 18-yard box drawing a penalty kick. Boman stepped up and finished to tie the game, 1-1.
With 20 minutes remaining in the second half, Romine found herself with the ball. On her own 20-yards out, Romine took a chance unassisted and scored the game-winning goal to come back from behind.
Minnesota will face the winner of No. 2 North Carolina and Santa Clara on Sunday at 4 p.m. CT.
(info and photo courtesy of Gopher Sports)
