ST. PAUL - In a come-from-behind win, the University of Minnesota soccer team defeated the Creighton Bluejays (0-0-1, 0-0-0 BIG EAST) 2-1 in its home opener at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium on Thursday evening.
The Golden Gophers (1-0-0, 0-0-0 B1G) were led by redshirt freshman
Caroline Birdsell who finished both goals, registering four shots through 90 minutes. Notably, Birdsell scored the first ever freshman brace in the history of the program.
Senior
Khyah Harper followed behind with three chances while graduates
Sophia Romine and
Sophia Boman had two.
Making her debut in net, sophomore goalkeeper
Sarah Martin picked up her first career start and win between the pipes for Minnesota.
Creighton took an early lead off the foot of Azumi Manriki. Following an unsuccessful free kick, the Bluejays won the advantage as Manriki scored from the top of the 18-yard box.
Minnesota came close at the 23-minute mark with a pair of shots from Birdsell and Romine.
The Gophers' attack continued through the first 45, but were unable to level the score heading into the locker room.
After a flurry of chances in the first 20 minutes of the second half, Birdsell evened the playing field with assists off Harper and
Evelyn Calhoon. Harper crossed the ball into the box, Calhoon flicked it to the far side where Birdsell finished.
One minute later, Birdsell capitalized again off
Paige Kalal and Calhoon in the box. In similar fashion, Kalal crossed it in with a flick by Calhoon, handing Birdsell the opportunity.
The Gophers return to action on Sunday, Aug. 25 on the road against St. Thomas. Minnesota comes back to Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium to host Army on Sept. 5
