SAINT PETER, Minn. — Wednesday’s non-conference game against Central College had an all-too familiar feeling for the Gustavus women’s soccer team. Once again, the Gusties found themselves down a goal in the second half, but unlike their previous competitions, the Gusties weren’t able to regroup, falling to Central by a score of 1-0.
The Gusties and the Dutch played scoreless through the first half, with Gustavus holding the edge in shots, 11-3. Gustie goalkeeper Abby Goodno (Sr., Little Canada) stayed perfect through the first 45, turning away all three Dutch shots faced between the pipes.
While the scoreboard showed a 0-0 deadlock at the half, there were plenty of golden offensive opportunities for the Gusties, including a shot by Kenna West (Sr., Owatonna) that sailed just barely above the net.
“We didn’t get the result we wanted today. We won the territorial advantage in the first half and had moments where we created good looks,” said Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie. “Unfortunately we weren’t able to put one away.”
The second half brought more of the same action until Mimi Pavelka netted a header off of a corner kick from teammate Abby Frey, breaking Goodno’s shutout. The Gusties would post eight more shots in the second half, including a close call by Cambelle Waldspurger (Fy., Mahtomedi) that would sail just over the net and the hands of Dutch goalkeeper Sheila Horstmann.
“We didn’t kick it in gear in the second half. Credit goes to Central who pushed and won a couple corners in a row.”
Hortsmann would remain perfect for the night, turning away all 10 Gustie shots on goal, while Goodno would finish with a total of five saves on six shots.
“It was a tough result to swallow but we know we have a lot more games left this season. This group has incredible talent and every day we learn more about who we are as a team.”
The Gusties (4-3-1 overall, 1-1 conference) are back in action for their second home game in a row, hosting Saint Benedict for a 1 p.m. MIAC competition.