NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The University of Dubuque women's soccer team traveled up north to Minnesota on Sunday, facing off with St. Olaf College in the afternoon. In a challenging match, the Spartans fell behind in the first half. Despite two late goals in the latter half of the second period, the game ended with a 5-2 scoreline as the Spartans fell on the road.
In the first half, the Spartans found themselves in a defensive battle, with Samantha Jurgens making five saves. After conceding the opening goal, the Spartans responded with a challenge of their own: Taryn Richey, finding herself in a little space just outside the box, pinged a shot towards the Oles goalkeeper, but it was saved. At halftime, UD was down 2-0.
The second half started with more pressure and as the Spartans battled, they found the breakthrough in the 72nd minute with Samantha Iller stealing the ball off an Oles defender and sending it through to Rylie Mensik, who had a brilliant left-footed finish to the far post. Mensik wasn't done yet with scoring and quickly found her second in the 74th minute. Ava Hortillosa crossed the ball into the box from the right wing and found two Spartans in the box, where Mensik was able to get a touch to the ball and poke it into the back of the net. Despite the late rally, the Spartans fell 5-2 at full-time.
Rylie Mensik led the Spartans, scoring twice to make it a brace - her first collegiate goals. Ava Hortillosa and Samantha Iller each registered an assist. Samantha Jurgens made 11 saves, a career-high mark in a single game.
Up Next
The Spartans will return home to face off against The College of St. Scholastica at Oyen Field. The game is scheduled to start at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10.
