ORANGE, Calif. — While Chapman was on the board first, the Gusties dominated the second half en route to a 2-1 non-conference victory over the Panthers.
Chapman’s Lily Jose opened the scoring for the game, netting one past Gustie goalkeeper Abby Goodno (Sr., Little Canada) following a shot off the foot of Emma Harper.
Staring at a 1-0 deficit after the first half, the Gusties erupted for a pair of second half goals that would prove to be enough to bring them to victory.
“We went a goal down, but kept our heads up and kept pushing forward,” said Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie. And pushed forward they did.
Ellen Becken (So., Prior Lake) netted the first goal of the season — and the first of her collegiate career — to tie the game just three minutes into the second half. Lauren Rocheford (Fy., Inver Grove Heights) picked up her first and second collegiate point, assisting both Gustie goals.
Cambelle Waldspurger (Fy., Mahtomedi) wasted no time adding to the tally, beating Panther goalkeeper Maia Mills for her first collegiate goal in her first collegiate game — just seven minutes after Becken’s goal.
“Our first goal was an unbelievable team goal with a fantastic build up and finish. We fed off that adrenaline and had another great goal to take the lead.”
The Gusties would maintain that lead thanks to a second half shutout from Goodno, who made eight saves in the team’s first victory of the season, seven of which came in the second half.
“It was a great team win, with every player on the team playing a huge role. We showed the West Coast what true team camaraderie looks like with our bench as the backbone. It was a great start to the season!”
The Gusties are back in action on Saturday, heading to Thousand Oaks, Calif. for a 7 p.m. non-conference game against Cal Lutheran.