Powered by a late penalty kick conversion from Ava Westlund, the University of Minnesota soccer team (5-2-2, 1-1-1 Big Ten) fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against Northwestern (3-4-3, 1-1-1 Big Ten) on Sunday afternoon at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium in front of 957 fans.
Westlund paced the Golden Gopher attack throughout the afternoon, recording a match-high eight shots with four on goal, while contributing both a goal and an assist for three points.
Minnesota struck first in the 19th minute when Ellen Neuharth netted her third goal of the season off a set-up from Westlund to give the Gophers an early 1-0 lead. Northwestern answered ten minutes later in the 30th minute as Megan Norkett converted an equalizer following an assist from Sarah O’Donnell.
The Wildcats took the lead shortly after halftime when Olivia Elliott found the back of the net in the 51st minute, off passes from Norkett and Ava Goodin, putting Minnesota behind 2-1.
The Maroon and Gold continued to press in the second half, heavily outshooting the Wildcats 20-9 overall and putting eight total shots on frame. The relentless attack paid off in the 87th minute when Minnesota drew a penalty inside the box, allowing Westlund to step up and bury the game-tying penalty kick into the bottom corner.
Goalkeeper Sarah Martin finished with four saves in net for Minnesota, while full 90-minute defensive efforts from Kate Childers, Matigann Vixayvong, Taylor Heimerl, and Neuharth helped keep Northwestern at bay down the stretch.
Minnesota continues Big Ten play on the road next Thursday, Sept. 24, traveling to face Indiana. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT in Bloomington.
(info and photo courtesy of Gopher Sports)
