SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s soccer team hosted St. Olaf on Sunday for an exhibition game while honoring the squad’s nine seniors.
“What an incredible day,” Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie said. “We had our first home game since 2019, on a wonderful grass field, all while honoring our nine seniors and their parents. From start to finish, today was filled with high energy, Gustie Tempo and a great atmosphere.”
The 2021 seniors include Page Cocchiarella (Sr., Owatonna), Sophie Olson (Sr., Minneapolis), Kari Cammerrer (Sr., Savage), Katie Ashpole (Sr., Chaska), Erin Teichroew (Sr., Duluth), Taylor Hemme (Sr., Eden Prairie), Lauren Johnson (Sr., Woodbury), Ava Hanson (Sr., Medina), and Maddie McDermott (Sr., Mendota Heights). All nine players saw time at the Gusties most recent MIAC Championship appearance in 2017.
The team played an exhibition game against conference opponent St. Olaf with both teams pulling out every defensive play in their arsenal. The Gusties had an offensive advantage outshooting the Oles 16-9, ten of them being on frame. Gustavus held the edge in corner kicks 6-5 with three of them being in the final 15 minutes. Despite the Gusties dominating with 57% of possession, St. Olaf’s 10 saves would hold the game to a 0-0 finish. The team currently sits at 2-0-1 this season after the Sunday match-up.
“The game was a competitive one, with each team having dangerous periods,” Burnett-Kurie said. “Our team really grew into the game, creating numerous dangerous opportunities and making on-field adjustments in the first half. The second half was something special, especially the final 20 minutes. We moved the ball incredibly well, executed our high press, stepped up when we needed to defensively and ended with numerous opportunities that ended inches from a goal.”
Despite the adversities faced by the program through the pandemic, both coaches recognized the class and talent demonstrated in soccer and in the classroom.
“We are so grateful for the opportunity to honor this senior group and their parents,” Burnett-Kurie said. “They have dedicated themselves on and off the field to this program over the last four years. Their resilience over the last year, and how they led this team with grace, is emboldening. They have all stepped up their game and helped this team get to the level we are playing at now, and wow, it’s an impressive level. We can’t wait to see them continue to perform on the field with confidence, creativity and positivity! Thank you seniors for a phenomenal four years. You have helped elevate Gustavus women’s soccer and your achievements on and off the field will be remembered for years to come.”