Taylor Uhl Lone Goal Enough to Lift Gophers over Northwestern

In their final home match of the 2012 season, the Gopher women’s soccer team defeated the Northwestern Wildcats, 1-0, this afternoon at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. Minnesota continued its movement up in the Big Ten Conference rankings, improving its record to 4-3-1.

The Wildcats concentrated on their defense to challenge the Minnesota offense and keep the team scoreless in the first half. The Gophers’ best opportunity came with 4:59 left on the clock, Olivia Bagnall served a ball into the box where Katie Thyken dueled the Northwestern keeper in the air for a near header.

The second half proved mostly a possession battle with Minnesota and Northwestern tallying just three and four shots, respectively. In the 78th minute, the Maroon and Gold found a gap in the backline and was able to breakdown the defense to find the back of the net. Allie Phillips started the push forward to Allie Reinke, who tapped it ahead to Taylor Uhl. Uhl moved past her double-team defenders to open the opportunity for a shot.

Minnesota outshot Northwestern 10-5 in the match. Sophomore Brianne Price served as the main offensive weapon for the Gophers. She tallied three shots to lead the team. Uhl posted two shots including the game-winner. Five other Gophers launched chances at the net to round out the team’s total.

The women’s soccer team finishes out the regular season with its last three matches on the road. Next weekend’s sweep begins with Indiana on Friday, October 19 at 4:00 followed by a Sunday match against Purdue at noon.