Gustavus Women’s Soccer Begins Season with Dominating Win Over UW-Superior
In a spirited opening match of the season, the Gustavus women’s soccer team triumphed over UW-Superior with a decisive 4-0 victory. This match marked the first win for new head coach Lauren Johnson, adding a significant milestone to her inaugural season.
Match Overview
The encounter, which was the third between the Gusties and the Yellowjackets, ended up being the most decisive battle in their history. For the second consecutive year, Gustavus maintained a shutout against UW-Superior, achieving this feat on their home turf in Superior, Wisconsin.
Scoring Summary
The Gusties dominated the first half, establishing a commanding 3-0 lead. The scoring opened at 17:35 when Hailee Wilson (Sr., Ashland, Wis.) netted the first goal, assisted by Cambelle Waldspurger (Sr., Mahtomedi, Minn.). Wilson struck again shortly after, converting a rebound from Amara Easley’s (So., Champlin Park, Minn.) shot. Waldspurger then contributed to the growing lead with a goal following a strong individual play just over a minute later.
The second half saw the Gusties extend their lead to four. Payton Mahady (Sr., Minnetonka, Minn.) delivered a long free kick, which Easley skillfully chipped over the UW-Superior goalkeeper, sealing the match’s outcome.
Defensive Standout
Goalkeeper Katelyn Olson (Jr., Cloquet, Minn.) was instrumental in the shutout, recording nine saves throughout the match. This performance marks her first shutout of the season and the twelfth of her career.
A Historic Win for Coach Johnson
Lauren Johnson’s victory is particularly significant as she becomes the sixth coach in Gustavus history to achieve a win in their coaching debut. Additionally, this game holds personal importance for Johnson, as it is her first victory representing the Gusties since she last played for the team on April 28, 2021.
Upcoming Matches
The Gustavus women’s soccer team will continue their season on Sunday, August 31st, when they face UW-Stout in a non-conference match at 2:00 p.m.
