MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris women's soccer team opened the 2020-21 season on Friday night with a 4-1 non-conference loss to Gustavus Adolphus College at Big Cat Stadium. After going down a pair of goals early, the Cougars cut the deficit in half with a penalty kick from Sam Tate. The Gusties scored early in the second half and took control the rest of the way.

A rocky start from the Minnesota Morris defense put the team in a quick hole. Gustavus Adolphus scored on a third-minute penalty kick and added onto the lead with a swarming attacking move in the 12th minute to make it 2-0. The Cougars grew into the match the rest of the first half. A Kyah Colbert shot from close range off of a corner kick was saved, but not long after that the score was 2-1. Sam Tate cashed in a penalty kick after Monica Calderon was bulled over in the 18-yard box. That scoreline held up heading into the break.

Gustavus Adolphus came out focused and with speed in the second half, netting in the 46th minute and continuing to pile pressure on the Minnesota Morris defense much of the way. The Gusties were rewarded with a fourth goal in the 64th minute on Jordan Whalen's second of the night.

Bernadette Cienik was excellent in goal, making 13 saves. Tate and Emma Giere led the offensive attack with a pair of shot attempts for the Cougars.

Minnesota Morris is back home on April 7 for the start of UMAC play, hosting the University of Northwestern at 1 p.m.