2024-2025 Gopher Soccer

[Ragnor]

What was the result of the exhibition game vs Iowa State last night? How did the team and players look? Nothing on Gopher Sports website. Don’t understand why the game would be on the website if they won’t publish anything on the game?

 

[SomeGopherFan]

What was the result of the exhibition game vs Iowa State last night? How did the team and players look? Nothing on Gopher Sports website. Don’t understand why the game would be on the website if they won’t publish anything on the game?

Someone posted on X Minnesota won 5-0. Agree with you on the coverage - doesn't seem like it would take a lot of effort to just write up a summary with the score/who scored/etc.

 

[Spaulding!No!]

Creighton match coming up.

 

[Ragnor]

Anyone know how the scrimmage against South Dakota went on Saturday?

 

[MilosRevenge]

Coaches won't allow any information out about the exhibitions. Iowa State and USD also have zero info. Paranoia run amok.

 

[NateDawgUM]

I always find it so funny -- guarding exhibition college soccer game scores like national secrets.

If Chastain wants to keep her job, the Gophers are going to have to start scoring goals in 2024. If they finish 14th as predicted, her seat is very hot next season.

There is some early buzz around forward Caroline Birdsell, who sat out last year with injury. There is definitely enough talent to be a winning team.

 

[NateDawgUM]

Looks like the buzz around Birdsell was correct.

 

[Ignatius L Hoops]

Birdsell’s Brace Lifts Minnesota Over Creighton in Comeback Victory - University of Minnesota Athletics

The brace marks the first by a freshman in Minnesota soccer's history

gophersports.com

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

 

[Ignatius L Hoops]

 

[NateDawgUM]

I'm not sure why they're running with this "FIRST BRACE IN GOPHER FRESHMAN HISTORY" storyline when there have been several braces by freshmen in the past.

But, I need to let it go. Good to see they might have a goalscorer on the team. College soccer becomes a much easier sport when you have one or two players who consistently bury chances.

 

[Gopher68]

I'm not sure why they're running with this "FIRST BRACE IN GOPHER FRESHMAN HISTORY" storyline when there have been several braces by freshmen in the past.

But, I need to let it go. Good to see they might have a goalscorer on the team. College soccer becomes a much easier sport when you have one or two players who consistently bury chances.

I have to think more than one freshman had a brace. Maybe the first freshman in her first game?

 

[Spaulding!No!]

Nice job beating Creighton. That’ll quiet the fam a touch.

 

[TNGophfan]

Ok. Stupid question, I'm sure, but what's a brace?

 

[Gopher68]

Ok. Stupid question, I'm sure, but what's a brace?

Two goals in a game.

 

[gwbbfan82]

Two goals in a game.

I didn't know either.

 

[NateDawgUM]

I have to think more than one freshman had a brace. Maybe the first freshman in her first game?

Sydney Squires had a brace in her first game, so it's not even that.

Who knows where they got that idea, and who knows why they decided to run with it. Having a freshman scoring 2 goals is a nice problem to have.

 

[Ignatius L Hoops]

Minnesota Downs St. Thomas 4-1 - University of Minnesota Athletics

Minnesota now leads the series 3-0 over St. Thomas

gophersports.com

ST. PAUL - Highlighted by a Khyah Harper hat-trick, the University of Minnesota soccer team defeated the University of St. Thomas 4-1 at South Soccer Field on Sunday afternoon.

The Gophers (2-0-0, 0-0-0 B1G) were led by Harper who registered three goals and an assist over the Tommies (0-2-1, 0-0-0 Summit League). Following behind, Sophia Romine scored one goal and assisted Harper's first goal. Goalkeeper Sarah Martin picked up her second career win along with three saves.

Minnesota took an early lead in the fifth minute. Harper connected a cross to Romine, who scored off her right foot.

After a quiet 35 minutes, Harper extended Minnesota's lead off an assist from Fiona Skwierawski. The assist is Skwierawski's first of her career.

Harper was quick to get Minnesota started coming out of the locker room. In the 50th minute, Harper added insurance for the lead with assists from Romine and Ashley Thurk.

With 12 minutes remaining, Abby Hoiska got St. Thomas on the board.

The Gophers responded quickly as Harper secured her first career hat-trick with four minutes remaining. After Caroline Birdsell's initial shot was blocked by the Tommies' keeper, Harper took advantage of the rebound to finish.

Before returning home on Sept. 5 against Army, Minnesota hits the road to face Milwaukee and Marquette this weekend.

 

[Ignatius L Hoops]

 

[Gopher68]

Harper with another hat trick as MN defeats Milwaukee 3-2:

Harper's Second Straight Hat Trick Leads 'U' Past Milwaukee - University of Minnesota Athletics

MILWAUKEE - Powered by a multi-goal performance from Khyah Harper , the University of Minnesota soccer team (3-0-0, 0-0-0 Big Ten) defeated the Milwaukee Pan...

gophersports.com

 

[Ignatius L Hoops]

 

[Ignatius L Hoops]

Gophers Sweep Weekend with 2-1 Win Over Marquette - University of Minnesota Athletics

This is the fourth consecutive game that Minnesota has had an individual multi goal performer.

gophersports.com

MILWAUKEE - Backed behind a brace from Sophia Romine, the University of Minnesota (4-0-0, 0-0-0 B1G) soccer team defeated the Marquette Golden Eagles (1-4-1, 0-0-0 BIG EAST) 2-1 on Sunday afternoon at Valley Fields.

The game is the fourth consecutive game that an individual Gopher has had a multi-goal performance. Caroline Birdsell opened the season with a brace against Creighton followed by Harper's back-to-back hat tricks over St. Thomas and Milwaukee. Romine's brace in the win over the Golden Eagles continues the streak.

Romine's two-goal performance also included three shots on goal. Khyah Harper dished out six shots and an assist while Taylor Heimerl, Sophia Boman, and Paige Kalal recorded two. Goalkeeper Sarah Martin faced three shots, saving two.



Marquette struck first during the first half in the 31st minute. Josie Bieda finished with assists from Haley Christianson and Tess O'Connell.

Romine turned things around in the 50th minute. Jelena Zbiljic threw a ball into Harper, who passed it onto Romine. Romine found the back of the net to level the match.

Minnesota's game winner came with 13 minutes left. Off a set piece, the ball bounced around in the six yard box. Romine eventually finished to take the lead.

The Gophers return home this week as they host Army on Thursday at 7 p.m. and Brown on Sunday at 1 p.m. CT

 

[WayOfTheGopher]

Sophia Romine, the top goal scorer last year lead the team with 6 goals. Harper has that many already in just the first 4 games. Let's just hope they can keep this momentum rolling.

 

[Ignatius L Hoops]

Minnesota Defeats Army for Fifth-Straight Victory - University of Minnesota Athletics

The Golden Gophers are off to their best start since 2022

gophersports.com

The Golden Gophers are off to their best start since 2022
ST. PAUL - Off to its best start since 2022, The University of Minnesota soccer team (5-0-0, 0-0-0 B1G) collected its fifth consecutive win on Thursday night over the Army Black Knights (5-2-0, 0-0-0 Patriot League) 3-0 at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.

The Golden Gophers were led once again by senior Khyah Harper who finished a brace, marking her third multi-goal game this season. Graduate Sophia Boman scored the third goal of the match and her first of the season. Sophomore goalkeeper Sarah Martin picked up her first career shutout, collecting four saves.

Minnesota got on the board in the ninth minute thanks to a long ball from senior defender Elizabeth Overberg. The center back found Harper at the top of the 18 yard box, who dribbled in to finish her seventh goal of the season.

The offensive attack continued in the second half, as the Gophers extended their lead in the 64th minute. Sophomore Paige Kalal sent in a corner kick as Harper used her head to find the back of the net, scoring her eighth.

Five minutes later, in a similar fashion, graduate Evelyn Calhoon delivered a corner kick to Boman who sent a header goal to the back of the net.

The Gophers return home this Sunday at 1 p.m. CT, as they host the Brown University Bears. Fans are encouraged to bring their furry friends as its the annual Pups on the Pitch match.

 

[Ignatius L Hoops]

Minnesota Stays Unbeaten, Ties Brown - University of Minnesota Athletics

The Gophers' record stays undefeated at 5-0-1

gophersports.com

Brown scored in the 85th minute to secure a 1-1 draw with Minnesota

ST. PAUL - Keeping its unbeaten streak alive, the University of Minnesota soccer team (5-0-1, 0-0-0 B1G) tied Brown University (1-2-3, 0-0-0 Ivy League), 1-1, on Sunday afternoon at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.

The Golden Gophers were led by senior Khyah Harper, who took five shots on the day. Redshirt freshman Caroline Birdsell followed behind with three, while five other Gophers had at least one opportunity to finish. As a team, Minnesota out shot Brown 13-4.

After a quiet first half, the Maroon and Gold got on the board thanks to an own goal from a Brown defender. Graduate Sophia Boman took a corner kick at the 77 minute mark, when the Bears' backline headed it into the net.

Eight minutes later, Brown's Ayla Sahin crossed it into the box to Naya Cardoza, who leveled the score.

Before returning home on Sunday to host NDSU, the Gophers travel to Illinois this Thursday to face the Fighting Illini in their first conference match of the season.

 

[Ignatius L Hoops]

She’s back. Gophers soccer senior Khyah Harper has multiple hat tricks to prove it.

Khyah Harper, a former prep star at Centennial, is off to a blistering start for the Gophers this season.

www.startribune.com

A high school soccer sensation once upon a time, Khyah Harper scored a single goal in each of her first three college seasons, then scored three each in consecutive games this season for a 5-0-1 Gophers team off to its best start since 2016.

Explanation, please.

“Injuries, unfortunately,” she said.

Harper had surgery on both ankles, including an internal brace and implant insertion after she tore three ligaments — and knee surgery on a torn meniscus as well.

All of it sidelined her for long stretches of those first three seasons. Now a senior, she participated fully with the Gophers in the spring and with Salvo SC in the Women’s Premier Soccer League during a very successful summer.

“It’s pretty exciting how this year is going,” Harper said. “I feel like I’m playing a lot more like myself.”

 

[Ignatius L Hoops]

Gophers Defeat Illinois 1-0 in B1G Opener - University of Minnesota Athletics

Sophia Boman scored the game-winning penalty kick in the 88th minute

gophersports.com

CHAMPAIGN - The University of Minnesota soccer team (6-0-1, 1-0-0 B1G) continued their unbeaten streak against Illinois (4-3-1, 0-1-0 B1G) on Thursday evening in a 1-0 win at Demirjian Park. The win marks Minnesota's sixth of the season and seventh game without a loss.

The Golden Gophers led the Fighting Illini in shots (12-11), S.O.G. (9-3), and corner kicks (4-3). Graduate captain Sophia Boman scored the lone goal, a penalty kick. Sophomore goalkeeper Sarah Martin picked up her second career shutout between the pipes.

Khyah Harper led the offensive charge, dishing out five shots. Sophia Romine had three opportunities, all on target. Caroline Birdsell had two chances while Kate Childers and Boman each had one.

Despite a mostly scoreless match, Minnesota's offense came out hot right away. Going into the locker room, the Maroon and Gold led the Illini 7-4 with opportunities in front of the goal.

After a mostly quiet second half, an Illinois defender fouled Harper in the 18-yard box in the 88th minute. Boman stepped up and finished to secure Minnesota's sixth win of the season.

The Gophers return to action this Sunday at 1 p.m. as they host NDSU at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium

 

[Ignatius L Hoops]

 

[Ignatius L Hoops]

Minnesota Victorious Over NDSU on Senior Day - University of Minnesota Athletics

This is the first time Minnesota has gone undefeated through eight games since 2008

gophersports.com

ST. PAUL - Undefeated through its eighth consecutive game this season, the University of Minnesota soccer team (7-0-1, 1-0-0 B1G) defeated NDSU (3-4-2, 0-0-0 Summit League) 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. The win marks the Golden Gophers' ninth-straight over the Bison.

Senior Khyah Harper led the offensive attack, scoring the single goal for the Maroon and Gold. The forward also took five shots on the day. Along with taking two shots, Paige Kalal and Sophia Romine both assisted Harper's goal. Goalkeeper Sarah Martin picked up her third shutout, collecting two saves.



The first 45 minutes were active on NDSU's defensive half. Minnesota kept the possession and saw a flurry of chances. Harper initially scored, but the goal was reversed due to an offside call. Heading into the locker room, the score was tied 0-0.

Three minutes into the second half, a yellow card was issued to the Bison's Ava Stanchina. Kalal took the free kick, but it bounced back to the top of the 18-yard box. Romine won the possession and passed it to Kalal who crossed it to the far right side of the goal. Harper headed the ball to score the game-winning goal.

The Gophers continue Big Ten play this week as Michigan comes to town on Thursday set for 7 p.m. CT at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. On Sunday, Minnesota travels to Wisconsin to face the Badgers in Madison, Wis., at 1 p.m. CT.

 

[Ignatius L Hoops]

 

[Ignatius L Hoops]

Minnesota Downs Michigan 3-0, Chastain Earns 150th Career Win - University of Minnesota Athletics

The win keeps the Gophers undefeated through nine games

gophersports.com

Minnesota defeats Michigan 3-0

ST. PAUL - The University of Minnesota soccer team (8-0-1, 2-0-0 B1G) was victorious over the Michigan Wolverines (1-7-1, 0-2-0 B1G) 3-0 on Thursday night at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. This is the Golden Gophers first win over the Wolverines since 2018.

The win also marks Erin Chastain's 150th career win as a head coach. Chastain is a Minnesota soccer alumni and began her head coaching career at DePaul in 2007.

Minnesota was led by senior forward Khyah Harper, who finished her third hat trick of the season. Harper now leads the country in goals (12), surpassing California's Karlie Lema (11). Paige Kalal, Sophia Romine, and Caroline Birdsell all assisted Harper.



Sophomore goalkeeper Sarah Martin collected her third consecutive shutout and fourth in the last five games. Martin has made 17 saves in Minnesota's last five matches.

Harper's first goal of the night came early in the third minute. Kalal and Birdsell wasted no time setting her up to finish her fifth game-winning goal, tying her for second in the nation with Kailyn Dudukovich from Ohio State.

Six minutes into the second half, Harper cruised down the field and blocked a clearance attempt from the Michigan keeper. She possessed the ball and finished her second of the night in the 51st minute.

The Lino Lakes, Minn., native finished the hat trick off an assist from Romine. Romine cleared the ball from the Minnesota defensive half to Harper on Michigan's side. Harper dribbled into the 18 yard box and sent her third goal past the keeper.

The Gophers hit the road this weekend to face Border Battle rival Wisconsin on Sunday at 1 p.m. CT in Madison.