Lindsey Schwartz and Katie Bethke each scored first half goals as the Gophers beat Ohio University by a 2-0 score Friday night in their first match of the Regina Moench Memorial Tournament at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.
Schwartz scored her second goal of the season and first of the evening when she headed a ball over Bobcat keeper Jess MacLean off a cross from teammate Molly Rouse in the 17th minute. For Rouse, it was her fifth assist in as many games.
Led by midfielder Kelsey Hood, the Gophers were able to control the pace of play and dominate throughout the opening half. Hood and the Gopher midfield dictated the flow of action and the Bobcats scuffled trying to bring the ball up the pitch even when they attained possession.
Hood’s free kick off a Bobcat foul in the 25th minute helped the Gophers score once again. Bethke directed the ball toward the goal off Hood’s 30-yard ball into the box and the Gophers led 2-0 when the header trickled past MacLean.
Bethke now leads the Gophers with four goals in the young season. The sophomore has now scored a goal in each of the Gophers’ last four contests.
Although the Gophers outshot the visiting Bobcats by a 35-2 margin, the Ohio defense gave Minnesota trouble in the Gophers’ attacking third throughout the second half. MacLean made several acrobatic saves, the most impressive of which came off another header by Schwarz in the closing minutes.
Reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week Lindsey Dare has another solid performance in net for the Gophers, in spite of Ohio’s only managing a single shot on goal. The athletic Apple Valley native was active throughout the contest and thwarted many Ohio through-passes before the Bobcats were able to capitalize.
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In the first match of Regina Moench Memorial Tournament earlier Friday, underdog Northeastern upset previously unbeaten Creighton 2-1 in double-overtime. The Huskies were able to tie the game 1-1 in the 88th minute and won the game when they converted a penalty kick in the second overtime session.
The Gophers (5-0-0) play Creighton (4-1-0) in the final match of the Regina Moench Memorial Tournament on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. Northeastern meets Ohio in a 10:30 matchup Sunday morning.
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