Minnesota Defeats Purdue 3-1 in Season Finale
WEST LAFAYETTE – Minnesota wrapped up its season with a 3-1 victory over the Purdue Boilermakers on Sunday afternoon at Folk Field.
The win improved Minnesota’s overall record to 7-6-4, with a conference record of 3-5-2 in the Big Ten.
How it Happened
Minnesota took the lead 1-0 in the 35th minute with a goal from Christa VanLoon, assisted by Megan Nemec.
Khyah Harper extended the Gophers’ lead to 2-0 in the 50th minute with an unassisted goal, her first of the season.
Abi Frandsen received a red card in the 18-yard box, resulting in a penalty kick for Purdue. Emily Mathews scored in the 84th minute, bringing the score to 2-1.
Sophia Romine sealed the victory for Minnesota with a goal in the 88th minute, assisted by Harper. There were no further goals from either team.
Game Notes
- Minnesota received one red card.
- Khyah Harper and Christa VanLoon scored their first goals of the season.
- Sophia Romine scored her sixth goal of the season.
- Minnesota outshot Purdue 21-10 (7-4 on goal).
- 577 spectators attended the match.
- Megan Plaschko made three saves out of 10 total shots.
- Minnesota had seven shots on goal.
Quotes
“Today we challenged our group with knowing this isn’t where we wanted to be, but this is where we are and to go and be great,” said head coach Erin Chastain. “I thought from a mentality perspective, we were. I’m proud of the group that they were mentally checked in and present for the opportunity we had even though we aren’t going to the playoffs. Our goal is to be contending for the NCAA Tournament and being in the Big Ten Tournament, so that’s what we will be working toward starting in the offseason for next fall.”
Up Next
The Golden Gophers finished the season tied for ninth place with Michigan and Northwestern, each with 11 points. The top eight teams qualify for the Big Ten Tournament and have a chance to earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
