The Gophers women’s soccer team started their season with a five game winning streak, tying their best start to a season since 2018.

The team’s aggression behind the ball exceeds their opponents, especially in the second half of games. Minnesota outshot their opponents 90-31 over the first five games, and 46-21 in second halves. 

Sophomore Kate Childers credits this success to the team chemistry they built over the years. 

“The chemistry is really good off the field,” Childers said. “We had a great preseason and that has carried over to the start of the season.”

Head coach Erin Chastain leads the halftime conversations that evolve into aggressive second halves. 

“Most of our halftimes have been positive and teaching focus, what’s working for us and what needs to be better going into the second half,” Chastain said. “This group has been able to take in that information and have a great response.” 

The 2018 Gophers soccer team was led by a different coaching staff and lost three straight games after their winning streak ended. But the team remained competitive and went on to win the Big Ten Tournament after a penalty shootout against Penn State.

In 2024, senior Khyah Harper leads the offense, with 26 shots and 8 goals through five games. She scored a hat-trick in back-to-back games and her six goals doubled her last three seasons’ totals.

Harper credited her teammates after the hat-trick against Milwaukee.

Harper’s recent success behind the ball did not come without adversity. The senior from Lino Lakes faced injuries in the first three years of her career that carried into the offseasons. Chastain said she hopes Harper stays healthy through the season, given her immediate initial impact.

“Some get more injuries than others, so she’s had her fair share,” Chastain said. “Knock on wood, hopefully a healthy year for her and we are excited to continue to see her be dangerous.”

A full year is paying off, as Harper is leading the Gophers in shots, points, goals, shots on goals, shot percentage and game winning goals through five games. Additionally, she is leading the Big Ten in points and goals.

Harper brought up the team’s chemistry as a reason for why the 2024 team is finding success compared to past years. She said this team has a lot of unselfish players who click well on the field. 

On the other side of the ball, the Gophers defense has sophomore Sarah Martin in goal who  made her Gopher debut this season, allowing five goals with a 72% save percentage. 

Chastain said that needs to change.

“We just need to tighten up some things defensively and just continue to take steps forward with our attacking shape,” Chastain said. “Continuing to focus on the areas that are going very well for us and set pieces are always going to be a focus.”

Sophomore Paige Kalal said confidence and distribution are Martin’s best attributes. 

“She seems very comfortable and her distribution has gotten very good,” Kalal said. “She’s helping us build out of the back and use our defense to get up the field.” 

The Gophers will look to break their five-game win streak tie from 2018 on Sunday when the team takes on Brown at home.