In a defensive battle on Thursday evening, the University of Minnesota soccer team (2-1-1, 0-0-0 Big Ten) dropped a hard-fought 1-0 decision to No. 15 BYU (3-1-0, 0-0-0 Big 12) at South Field.
Goalkeeper Sarah Martin made five crucial saves to keep the Gophers level with the Cougars late into the second half. BYU’s lone goal came in the 78th minute when the Cougars were credited with an unassisted own goal following a defensive deflection inside the box.
BYU led Minnesota in shots (12-4), shots on goal (5-1), and corner kicks (7-3). Ellen Neuharth, Hannah Heinlein, Caroline Birdsell, and Tenley Senden each recorded a shot for the Maroon and Gold on the evening.
The Cougars controlled the tempo early, holding 71% of the possession and outshooting the Gophers 6-1 in the opening period. Neuharth took Minnesota’s first shot of the match. Martin turned aside all three shots on goal she faced in the first 45 minutes to send both teams into halftime locked in a scoreless draw.
Minnesota increased its attacking pressure in the second half, recording three shots. Senden put a quality opportunity on frame in the 85th minute, but BYU goalkeeper Chelsea Peterson made the save. Heinlein and Birdsell each added shots during the Gophers’ second-half push.
Minnesota returns home to Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium on Sunday, Aug. 30, to host St. Thomas. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT
(info and stock photo courtesy of Gopher Sports)
