MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. – The University of Minnesota Soccer team has secured the No. 7 seed in the highly competitive 2024 Big Ten Soccer Tournament. The Golden Gophers are set to clash with the No. 10 seeded Nittany Lions this Thursday, bringing NCAA soccer excitement back to their home turf.
#7 Minnesota (12-3-3, 6-3-2 B1G) vs #10 Penn State (11-5-3, 5-4-2 B1G)
Date: Oct. 31
Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
Stream: B1G+
Location: Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium
Last Time Out: Penn State
This matchup marks the second encounter between the Gophers and Nittany Lions this season. Earlier this month, Minnesota faced an uphill battle at University Park, where they suffered a defeat against then-ranked No. 20 Penn State. Both teams exhibited offensive prowess early on, each netting two goals in the first half. However, as the match progressed, it was a late surge from Penn State that sealed the deal, scoring the decisive goal with just eight minutes remaining.
Despite the narrow loss, the Golden Gophers demonstrated their attacking capabilities, outshooting the Nittany Lions 13 to 11, and achieving an impressive 8 to 5 in shots on goal. Senior Khyah Harper stood out for Minnesota, making significant contributions with one goal and three shots on net. Also in the mix was graduate Sophia Romine, who scored an unassisted goal and recorded two shots.
B1G Tournament Hosts
Excitingly, the University of Minnesota soccer team will host the opening and quarterfinal rounds of the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Soccer Tournament, showcasing their abilities on home soil. USC, UCLA, Iowa, Michigan State, Rutgers, Washington, Minnesota, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Penn State have all earned bids to this prestigious postseason, adding to the tournament’s rich history.
As teams advance from the quarterfinals, they will vie for a chance to compete in the semifinal and championship match scheduled at CITYPARK Stadium in St. Louis, Mo., from November 7 to 10, intensifying the race for the title.
On the National Stage
In light of their impressive performance, especially against No. 11 Iowa last week, Minnesota has garnered national recognition from Top Drawer Soccer and United Soccer Coaches. In TDS’s latest Top 25 poll, they currently stand at No. 15, while they received votes in the USC poll. Additionally, the Gophers’ RPI has experienced a notable rise, climbing from 28 to 22.
Undefeated at Home
In a remarkable achievement, Head Coach Erin Chastain has led Minnesota to its first undefeated home season since 2008, showcasing the team’s strength and resilience. Chastain has also made history by becoming the first head coach to navigate the Gophers to two top-15 victories within a single year, solidifying her impact on the program.
B1G Defensive Player of the Week
After her standout performance, scoring the game-winning goal against No. 11 Iowa, defensive midfielder Sophia Boman has been honored as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, a noteworthy announcement made by the conference office on Tuesday.
This recognition marks the first weekly award of the season for Boman and the second of her career, following her Co-Offensive Player of the Week accolade in 2022. Alongside her crucial penalty kick in the 65th minute, Boman led the Golden Gophers with two shots on goal, playing an integral role in their win and contributing significantly to their historic season.
Minute by Minute
Sophia Boman has accumulated an impressive 7,451:32 minutes in her career as a Gopher. Presently, she boasts an incredible streak of 29 consecutive matches, dating back to last season, where she has played a full 90 minutes. As the captain, Boman has started all 83 matches since her freshman season, showcasing her durability and commitment to the team.
Numbers to Know
0: Minnesota has preserved its perfect home record, enjoying zero losses at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium this season.
1: Senior Khyah Harper leads the nation in total points, boasting an impressive 40 points and averaging 2.22 points per game. She ranks second in goals per game (0.94 average) and third in total goals (17).
4: Four members of the soccer team have logged every minute this season, demonstrating their endurance and commitment. Freshman Ashley Thurk is just shy of this mark, missing by only 11 minutes.
7: Seven Gophers have registered at least four points this season, with three players exceeding ten points, while Harper leads with a remarkable 39.
8: Sophomore Paige Kalal has tallied nine assists this season, ranking her eighth in the country and second in the Big Ten.
**Interview with University of Minnesota Soccer Coach Erin Chastain**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach Chastain! Congratulations on securing the No. 7 seed in the 2024 Big Ten Soccer Tournament. How does it feel to be heading into such a prestigious tournament?
**Erin Chastain:** Thank you! We’re excited to be in this position. The Big Ten is incredibly competitive, and earning a spot in the tournament is a testament to our players’ hard work and dedication throughout the season.
**Interviewer:** You’re set to face off against Penn State this Thursday. Can you tell us how the team is preparing, especially after your recent match with them?
**Erin Chastain:** Absolutely. After the last game, we recognized some areas where we could improve. We’ve focused on refining our tactics, particularly our defensive strategies and finishing in the attacking third. The team is motivated and determined to turn the tables this time around.
**Interviewer:** Khyah Harper and Sophia Romine had standout performances in your last encounter. What do you expect from them in this upcoming match?
**Erin Chastain:** Both Khyah and Sophia have been key players for us all season. Their ability to create scoring opportunities and maintain pressure on the defense is crucial. I’m confident they will deliver strong performances and inspire the team further.
**Interviewer:** This will be your first time hosting the opening and quarterfinal rounds of the Big Ten Women’s Soccer Tournament. What does it mean to bring that level of competition to your home field?
**Erin Chastain:** Hosting is incredibly special for us. Playing at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium gives us a home-field advantage, and our fans have been amazing this year. We feed off their energy, and we aim to put on a great show for them.
**Interviewer:** Minnesota has received national recognition, climbing to No. 15 in the Top Drawer Soccer poll. How does that boost the team’s confidence heading into the tournament?
**Erin Chastain:** Rankings are nice, but they don’t define our success. However, that recognition serves as a validation of the effort and skill our players have shown. It boosts morale, but we’re focused on staying grounded and playing our game.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, can you share your thoughts on Sophia Boman being named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week?
**Erin Chastain:** Sophia’s performance has been phenomenal. She plays a crucial dual role, defending and contributing offensively. Her recognition is well-deserved; she sets a standard for hard work and commitment to the team. We’re lucky to have her.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Coach Chastain! We wish you and the team the best of luck in the tournament.
**Erin Chastain:** Thank you! We appreciate the support and hope to make our fans proud!
