Minnesota Gophers Edge South Dakota State in NCAA Soccer Championship Opener
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The University of Minnesota’s women’s soccer team secured a spot in the second round of the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship with a 2-0 victory over South Dakota State on Friday, November 15, at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.
Sophia Boman shone in the second half, scoring both goals for the Gophers, who managed to break a scoreless tie established by a strong first-half performance from SDSU’s goalkeeper, Emma Knack. The sophomore made five saves, successfully thwarting Minnesota’s efforts to score as they dominated early shots.
Despite pressure from SDSU, including a missed opportunity by midfielder Mia Bosch and a narrowly missed shot by Katelyn Beulke, the first half concluded without a goal. Minnesota’s Khyah Harper, the Big Ten’s leading scorer, also tested Knack, who remained resolute.
The Gophers found their breakthrough shortly after halftime when Boman capitalized on a blocked attempt to put Minnesota ahead in the 48th minute. Just seven minutes later, following an SDSU foul in the box, Boman converted a penalty kick, extending the Gophers’ lead to 2-0.
Despite outshooting Minnesota 11-7 in the second half, SDSU could not close the gap. The final shot tally favored the Gophers, who had 18 total shots to SDSU’s 14.
With this defeat, South Dakota State concluded its season with a record of 15-5-2, marking the end for its senior class, which has celebrated multiple Summit League titles and NCAA Tournament appearances. Minnesota will now advance to face South Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in the next round of the tournament.
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