DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's soccer team played their home opener against the Carroll University Pioneers Friday night. After creating multiple great chances, the two sides ended the contest with an empty score sheet, and the Spartans drew with the Pioneers.
The Spartans opened up the game with energy and applied the pressure quickly and often. Two corner kicks in the opening two minutes led to three shots, with the best falling to Taryn Richey, whose attempt was saved. Two more shots on goal before the half came from Bree Swenson and Rylie Mensik after finding themselves with an opening to challenge the keeper. Despite outshooting the Pioneers 8-5 in the first half, it remained even at halftime.
In goal for the Spartans, Samantha Jurgens had to jump into the action early with a save after a free-kick attempt into the box in the first two minutes of the second half. The back line defended against early pressure in the second half but held firm before recapturing momentum. With things swinging towards the Spartans, it was Swenson who had one of the best attempts of the game with a first-time strike off the volley, which the Pioneers goalkeeper narrowly punched away from the top right corner of the net. In the 78th minute, Jurgens made another strong save to keep the score even, making a critical stop to hold on for the draw. The Spartans were awarded two penalties in the latter half of the match but were unlucky to not find the back of the net; the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
The Spartans were led by Ava Hortillosa and Bree Swenson, who each had three shots; Olivia Roth and Maelyn Kluever each had two shot attempts. Samantha Jurgens made five saves in the match, four in the second half. UD outshot the Pioneers 15-12.
Up Next
The Spartans will hit the road and travel to Northfield, Minnesota, this Sunday, September 6. They will face off against St. Olaf College on Rolf Mellby Field; kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
