ST. Cloud, Minn – A strong offensive performance in the middle part of the second half was enough for the Michigan Tech women’s soccer team to cruise past St. Cloud State 2-0 on Saturday (Aug. 27) in St. Cloud, Minn.
The Michigan Tech Huskies moved to 1-1 against the Huskies of St. Cloud State fell to 0-2 on the season opener.
“It was great to see a quick turnaround from our young ladies from Thursday night’s heartbreak,” head coach Bulut Ozturk said. “This is a team with amazing team chemistry and it showed again today in the second half.
“It was good to get Haley back in the starting lineup and see her hit the game winner today after missing the Duluth match. Also, shout out to our twins (Alivia and McKenna) who teamed up today to get the second goal to kill the game.”
In the 53rd minute and the 69th minute, the black and gold had chances to attack and strengthened the victory.
Haley Ruiter scored her first goal of the season off a pass from Taylor Noble in midfield and Ruiter put a shot past the SCSU goalie into the right side of the box.
In the 63rd minute, freshmen Alivia Sanom and Makena Sanom made their debuts for the Black and Gold.
Six minutes later, both players would get their first points as Huskies. McKenna’s cross from the left side of the attack zone was met by Alivia as she drove into the middle of the field and fired a shot into the far right corner for MTU’s 2-0 win.
After Michigan Tech’s second goal, the game returned to normal with a lot of neutral zone plays without much offense.
The first 45 minutes proved to be a physical half for the two Huskies, both looking for their first win of the season.
The Black and Golds had a good look early on as Hayley Ruiter beat a defender and fired a shot past the right corner in the 10th minute.
Overall, Michigan Tech added five shots, with Alicia Shatrow making some rushing plays late in the first half to create offense on offense.
In the 31st minute, a shot from the right side was forced by the St. Cloud goalkeeper.
St. Cloud had three shots on goal in 45 minutes, only one shot against goalkeeper Gracie Vanlangevelde, even with the wind in her face.
Vanlangevelde earned the shutout, recording three saves over 90 minutes. Offensively, the Black and Gold had eight turnovers and three turnovers.
“Credit to our backline and Gracie for the closing,” Ozturk added. “I’m really happy with our collective effort this weekend.” We look forward to getting back home to prepare for the home matches next week.”
A total of three Huskies scored their first points of their Michigan Tech career, with Noble getting an assist, McKenna an assist and Alivia scoring a goal.
Michigan Tech returns to action on Friday, hosting conference rival Minnesota Crookston, then hosts NSIC foe Bemidji State on Sunday. Thursday’s game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m., with the contest against the Beavers at noon.
