MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris women's soccer team defeated Martin Luther College 2-1 in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) play Saturday afternoon in Morris, Minn., on Senior Day.
Minnesota Morris improves to 4-8-2 overall and 3-3-1 in the UMAC, while the Knights fall to 6-6-1 overall and 3-4 in conference play. This marks the Cougars' third straight win — their first since 2021 — and their first victory over Martin Luther since that same season.
After the game, the team's sole senior,
Bella Toth, was honored for her contributions to the program.
"Fantastic team effort today and we're so happy for Bella scoring on senior day," said head coach
Emma Morris. "She's been a pivotal player for us over her four years and her leadership and work eithic this fall doesn't go unnoticed. Zivi (
Ziviara Cordova) and
Caitlin Lau particularly had good games today as well both offensively and defensively, and a shout our to Bri (
Brianna Ganske) for her goal as well."
The wind played a major role in the game, resulting in only one shot being taken in the first 10 minutes — which
CJ Frear-Boerner saved. Ganske sent a cross into the box, connecting with Toth, who put the ball in the back of the net 12 minutes in for the game's first goal. Just five minutes later,
Rylie Lovec drove a low shot at the keeper, which deflected to Ganske, who doubled the UMM lead.
Martin Luther got on the board with a corner kick that hit the far post and bounced in.
Talalupe Levale also recorded a shot in the first half, but the score remained 2-1 at halftime.
The Cougars had the wind at their backs in the second half and dominated early possession, with the ball rarely leaving the MLC half in the first 10 minutes. Toth and Ganske each had early chances but were denied. Frear-Boerner made a save on the first shot she faced in the second half. Despite 17 shots in the half, the Cougars couldn't add to their lead, but their defense held strong — limiting the Knights to just one second-half shot and securing the 2-1 victory.
Ganske scored her team-leading fifth goal of the season, while Toth netted her second. Toth also added an assist, and Lovec earned her first collegiate point assisting on Ganske's goal. The Cougars outshot the Knights 9-6 in shots on target, with Levale leading the team with three shots. In goal, Frear-Boerner made five saves, earning her fourth win of the season.
Minnesota Morris looks to continue its momentum as it hosts Crown College on Wednesday at 1 p.m.
