Bieda Nets First Goal In 2-1 Setback To Minnesota

The Marquette University women's soccer team (1-4-1, 0-0-0 BIG EAST) concluded a two-match homestand with a 2-1 setback versus Minnesota (4-0-0, 0-0-0 Big Ten) on Sunday afternoon at Valley Fields.

The matchup was the second for the Golden Eagles in the Marquette Challenge Cup, which the Gophers claimed after wins over Milwaukee and MU. UIC was the fourth team in the event.

The Golden Eagles led 1-0 at the intermission, courtesy of forward Josie Bieda's first goal of the season. Senior Tess O'Connell switched the point of attack to sophomore Haley Christianson at the top right corner of the box, and her pass found the foot of Bieda, who buried the shot inside the near post.

Unfortunately for MU, the Golden Gophers consistent offensive pressure resulted in a pair of second-half goals by Sophia Romine, with the game winner coming at the 76:44 mark. Minnesota finished with a 19-4 advantage in shots, 9-2 on goal, and an 11-0 margin in corner kicks.

"I thought we did a pretty good job of taking away Minnesota's time and space in the run of play, which we talked about entering the match," head coach Chris Allen said. "We bent, but didn't break in the first half and I was proud of our effort, but Minnesota was able to elevate its play in the second half and we just weren't able to match it. We are learning some valuable lessons as BIG EAST play approaches."

NOTES

Senior Caroline Cline made her first start of the season and 22nd of her career
After not seeing action in the first four matches, Chloe Olson has started each of the last two outings and she matched a career-high with nine saves
Christianson and O'Connell picked up their respective first career points with MU, assisting on Bieda's goal

UP NEXT

The Golden Eagles have a week to prepare for a trip to nationally ranked Notre Dame on Sunday, Sept. 8.

2024 Marquette Challenge Cup All-Tournament Team

MVP: Khyah Harper, Minnesota

Sophia Boman, Minnesota
Sophia Romine, Minnesota
Elizabeth Overberg, Minnesota
Mia Haertle, Marquette
Emily Fix, Marquette
Chloe Olson, Marquette
Elizabth Reece, Milwaukee
Lainey Higgins, Milwaukee
Senya Meurer, Milwaukee
Yulexi Diaz, UIC

Keep up with the Marquette University women's soccer team through social media by following on X (@MarquetteWSOC) and Instagram (@MarquetteWSOC) and 'liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteWSOC).