While who is in the playoffs does not get announced for two more weeks, only 48 teams will be in the playoffs. The Gophers are ranked No. 91. 

After a tough game against No. 8 University of Washington and a scoreless result against the University of Oregon, the Gophers soccer team plans to end the season with a win and looks forward to next season. 

Junior forward Paige Kalal said this season has been a lot of learning to adjust the team with new talent. 

“We lost a lot of players last season, but it is fun to get a bunch of new players,” Kalal said. “I feel this season we have been learning how to rebuild our group and use the new talent.”

Sophomore goalkeeper Sarah Martin added the new players of their team gave them more strength. She is excited for the future growth of the team. 

“The new players have allowed us to play a different style that we haven’t played in the previous year, and it is exciting for all of us,” Martin said. “It is a great thing to build up from it coming into next year.”

The Gophers are 2-5-3 in conference play after a tie against Oregon and losing a hard-fought game against Washington, ranked first place in the Big Ten. 

Sophomore forward Caroline Birdsell said the game was tough against Washington, but she was proud of how the team played overall. 

“This season has been fun, playing against new teams such as Washington,” Birdsell said. “We enjoy the moment, we love the game and we look to put our best in the last conference games.”

Birdsell added how proud she feels of the team this year. 

“I love the team this year, no matter what the stats and results say,” Birdsell said. “We have a great group this year, we faced a lot of adversity, we keep continuing to get better, and that’s why we are here, to get better.” 

As the season reaches an end, the Gophers’ overall record is 6-7-3, and they look to add one more win in their last game against the University of Purdue. 

Birdsell and Kalal lead the team in scoring. Kalal currently leads the team with 13 points, and Birdsell is right behind her with 10.

Birdsell said though these are personal stats, they would not be possible without the help of her team. 

“Putting the jersey for the Gophers is already a huge honor, and playing next to talented people makes it even better,” Birdsell said. “I wouldn’t be able to get those stats without everyone around me.”

Kalal added that she has great chemistry with Birdsell. 

“It is fun to compete with everyone, especially with Caroline; we assist each other back and forth,” Kalal said. “I think everything I have scored is thanks to how we have been able to build a play from the back; it is huge to have a strong midfield and defense.”

The Gophers’ last soccer game will be played against Purdue on Oct. 26 at home.