SAINT PETER, Minn. – Rachel Rehnelt’s (Sr., Albert Lea) goal 6:17 into the game proved to be the only score in Monday’s Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference playoff quarterfinal game as the Gustavus women’s soccer team defeated Augsburg 1-0. The Gusties advance to the MIAC semifinals where they will face No. 1 seed St. Catherine at 2 p.m. Wednesday in St. Paul.
Rehnelt’s third goal of the season was set up by Page Cocciarella (Sr., Owatonna) for her second assist of the year. The Auggies outshot the Gusties 6-5 in the opening 45 minutes but were unable to score.
Augsburg applied much of the attacking pressure in the second half, but once again the Gustie defense stood tall a did not allow a goal for its fourth shutout in the past six games. Augsburg outshot the Gusties 12-8 in the game. Abby Goodno (Sr., Little Canada) earned the win after making three saves.
“What a battle today and what an incredible win,” Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie said. “Playoffs is a different breed and to not only win but to earn the shutout against a strong, dangerous opponent is fantastic. All year we have talked about the strength of our entire team and, how, if we come together as one unit, fight for and with each other, believe in ourselves and our teammates and always put the ‘we over me,’ we can accomplish great things, and here we are.