"We were a little sluggish in the first half and Minnesota got to us early. We started to wear them down and I believe we controlled the second half against a team that is going to be a contender for the Big Ten title", head coach Jason Neidell stated. "From where we were last Friday at Tennessee to where we were Friday (Miss.) and then today, I am very encouraged by this team. We have a young team and these early games are a learning process for us."
The match marked the first time the two teams have met in competition. It also marks only the second time in WKU history the Lady Toppers have met a team from the Big Ten conference, now with a record of 0-2 against Big Ten teams.
Minnesota hit the back of the net first with a goal in the opening two minutes of play, off a penalty kick by Katie Bethke. The Gophers controlled the match the majority of the first period. In the 16th minute of play the Gophers tallied their second goal of the match by Molly Rouse, the assists came from Katie Shelander and Josie Solie in a tight cluster in front of the goal. Minnesota posted 11 shots and five on goal in the first half of play.
The WKU Lady Toppers fought hard to control the ball but were only able to post one shot in the first 45 minutes of play. The shot came from Chrissy Tchoula.
The Lady Toppers took control in the second period out-shooting Minnesota 6-3. WKU had two shots on goal while holding Minnesota to zero in the second period. Posting three shots and one on goal for the Toppers was Sydney Sisler while teammate Laura Ray followed with two shots and one on goal in the second period.
In the 80-minute of action WKU's Mallory Outerbridge hit a corner kick into the box resulting in WKU's first goal of the season, credited as a team goal, off a Minnesota defender. The Lady Toppers fought hard in the second period and wore the Gophers down but would fall short by one in the end.
WKU finished the match with seven shots and two on goal. The Lady Toppers had two corner kick opportunities in the match. Minnesota outshot the Lady Toppers with 14 shots and five on goal.
WKU goalkeeper Libby Stout battled the complete 90-minute match with a tough challenge in the first period. Stout made three saves, all coming in the first period and faced 14 shots. She now has a record of 0-2-1 on the season.
Up Next: The 2010 WKU Lady Topper soccer team (0-2-1) will return to the WKU Soccer Complex for an evening match Friday against Evansville, match is slated for a 6:00 p.m. start.
