DULUTH, Minn. - The NMU women's soccer team took to the pitch for a Saturday afternoon matchup at Minnesota Duluth. The 'Cats finished the weekend just as they had visioned, as they defeated UMD 3-0 to start the season 2–0 behind a pair of shutouts.
The 'Cats were ready to play early, putting the pressure on the Bulldogs from the start. In the 13th minute, the Green and Gold would crack the scoreboard as
Rachael Erste gathered a loose ball off a corner for the goal.
Stephanie Trujillo would add another first half tally with the helper coming from
Brooke Pietila. NMU led 2-0 at the break.
Justina L'Esperance made it 3-0 early in the second half as she weaved her way through the defense and buried a shot top left for her second goal of the season.
NMU maintained their composure throughout the contest, outshooting UMD 17-8 en route to a 3-0 victory.
"It was a special win for us for a few different reasons," senior defender
Rachael Erste said after the contest. "It was an all-around effort from everyone. It's difficult to win on the road so leaving Minnesota with two shutout wins feels great."
First Half
The 'Cats found themselves with the first good opportunity of the game at 7' as
Molly Pistorius outpaced the defender down the left sideline and sent a crosser to
Brooke Pietila, but the attempt sailed just left of the net.
The Green and Gold would maintain the pressure and be rewarded, as their second corner kick resulted in
Rachael Erste finding a loose ball in a crowded box and kicking it home for an early 1-0 lead in the 13th minute.
NMU continued their offensive prowess at 25', as a shot on goal by
Caitlyn Trombley was redirected and
Stephanie Trujillo was there to finish it off for the tally. Trombley picked up the assist as the 'Cats led 2-0 early on.
Strong play continued on each side of the field for Northern for the remainder of the half, as their 2-0 advantage held heading into halftime. The Wildcats outshot UMD 10-3 and landed eight shots on goal to the Bulldogs' two.
Second Half
Less than 10 minutes into the second half,
Justina L'Esperance headed the ball ahead of the defender, tracked it down, and cut back to momentarily shake the defense. She then fired a shot top left past the goalkeeper for her second goal of the weekend and a 3-0 lead for the 'Cats.
Play was mostly held in the midfield for the remainder of the half with neither team creating many opportunities.
A Look at the Stats
Justina L'Esperance, who tallied seven goals a season ago for second best on the team, picked up her second in as many games as she leads the 'Cats early in the season with two goals.
Rachael Erste and
Stephanie Trujillo each scored for the Green and Gold. It was the fifth career goal for Erste and second for Trujillo.
Shenae Kreps went 69 minutes and freshman
Ava Wilberding saw the rest of the action. Each keeper picked up a pair of saves.
NMU outshot the Bulldogs 17-8 in the contest.
Up Next
The Green and Gold will be home next weekend, as they face Bemidji State on Friday, September 2 at 3 p.m. Minnesota Crookston will be in town on Sunday, September 4 to finish off the non-conference schedule.
