WINONA, Minn. — Having been shutout in two of their last three losses, the Gustavus women’s soccer team was looking for some offensive mojo Tuesday night. The Gusties weren’t able to find it in Winona, as Cardinal goalkeeper Alexis Nguyen was enough to foil any offensive attempts, making seven saves between the pipes, helping Saint Mary’s deal Gustavus a 1-0 MIAC setback.
Through the first half, the Gusties challenged Nguyen with two shots on goal, one a near miss off of a corner kick and shot from Annika Lewis (Sr., Hudson, Wis.) within the first five minutes. The next shot on goal would come over 30 minutes later off the foot of Callie Patraw (So., Elk River) — another opportunity shut down by Nguyen.
The first 30 minutes of the second half was more of the same, as the Gusties continued to pepper Nguyen with shots and shot attempts, all of which were turned aside. Brooklyn McKinney broke open the scoring for the Cardinals, putting one past Abby Goodno (Sr., Little Canada) with only 16 minutes remaining in the second half. One goal would prove to be enough to decide the game, as the Cardinals rolled to their first MIAC victory, dealing Gustavus their fourth-straight defeat.
The Gusties outshot the Cardinals 13-7, including an 8-3 advantage in shots on goal. MIAC Defensive Player of the Week Nguyen finished with an eight-save shutout. Lillian Selberg (So., Minneapolis) led the Gustie attack with four shots, including three on goal, while Goodno turned away two of the three shots she faced.
The Gusties (4-5-1 overall, 1-3 MIAC) face St. Catherine on Saturday, hosting the 2021 MIAC Champions for a 1 p.m. conference match-up in Saint Peter.