Despite the loss, the Golden Gophers (8-8-3, 4-4-2) beat the Spartans (15-1-3, 9-0-1 Big Ten) 6-0 (3-0 SOG) in the first game . half. Minnesota was led forward by graduates McKenna Busmanwho had four shots, and Amelie Brownthe two tabulated.
“McKenna (Buisman) scored a great goal, she’s very good at scoring highlight reel goals,” said the head coach Erin Chastain. “It was fun to watch the playoff game; for them to perform at this moment. We were disciplined in the first half and we knew they were going to come at us in the second half… I think the next step in our growth is understanding what we can do and bring that no matter the score. The future of our program is bright, I’m really excited about the core that we have and that we are building with this program. We are very grateful for the young women who are leaving our program and leaving their mark.”
A quick goal four minutes into the first half would give Minnesota the upper hand it needed to set the tone of the game. Sophia Bomann dribbled across the field with no problems and found Buisman open at the top of the 18-yard box. The grad forward found her left foot to give Minnesota a 1-0 lead.
The Spartans equalized in the 55th minute. Striker Jordyn Wickes found herself in the six-yard box after a corner kick. Wickes nudged the ball past Minnesota’s backline for a 1-1 tie.
Wickes would end the game victorious with 23 minutes remaining thanks to a double assist from Celia Gaynor and Ruby Diodati.
The Gophers fought to the end and found several opportunities off set pieces but couldn’t finish.
With the loss, Minnesota finishes the season eighth in the Big Ten and their first Big Ten tournament spot since 2018.
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