Minnesota faced off against Indiana on Sunday in a match that was crucial to its success in the Big Ten.
Before playing the Hoosiers, the Gophers were ranked 13th in the 14-team conference, with Indiana right above them. A win would have put the Gophers closer to their goal of reaching one of the top eight spots in conference standings and earning a berth in the Big Ten tournament.
Minnesota continued their recent streak of outshooting their opponents, with the final shot count seven to four, but the single-digit total is a stark contrast from the Gophers’ last two games, where they outshot Ohio State and Michigan State a combined 48-13.
However, the Gophers were unable to convert any of their chances, falling 0-1 to Indiana.
The first half was well underway with only a few shots for either team when Minnesota sped into the Hoosiers’ box and forced goalkeeper Bethany Kopel to make a diving save to prevent Minnesota from taking the lead. Just minutes later, Indiana was able to create a scoring opportunity off a long ball sent from the back line. Chandra Davidson was able to gather the kick from Oliwia Wos at a sprint and send it past Minnesota goalie Maddie Nielsen.
Being behind on the scoreboard right before the end of the half wasn’t ideal, but Minnesota came back fighting in the second.
The Gophers took five shots in the second half, more than doubling their total from the first, with Linnea Yacovella and Ari Del Moral getting chances off of corner kicks. But like many games this season, Minnesota was unable to get on the scoreboard despite solid all-around play.
The passion is not lacking on this squad, but consistent play is something they have struggled with this season.
“Consistency is what we’re trying to drive towards. How can we consistently play ninety minutes giving our whole heart? We didn’t execute like I know we can,” senior Nikki Albrecht said. “We didn’t play up to our Minnesota caliber.”
Next week Minnesota will play just once, facing No. 13 Wisconsin on Friday at 5 p.m. in Madison.
