Teddy Kaste-
The Gustavus Women’s Soccer Team was eliminated from the playoffs this past Sunday in a 3-0 loss against Saint Mary’s. This was the Women’s first playoff appearance since 2021, and they finished the season with a record of 9-5-5. Saint Mary’s came into the game with an impressive 13-2-4 record and showed why they have been a force to be reckoned with in their win against Gustavus. For Gustavus, this marks the end of the 2024 soccer season, as well as the careers of many seniors.
The Cardinals applied pressure early on, firing two shots on the net in the first 15 minutes of action, and at the 15-minute mark of the first half, they sent one into the back of the net making the score 1-0.
At the 29-minute mark, the Gusties fired its first shot but it was wide, and the Cardinals’ notoriously good defense continued to perform. Then, six minutes later, Saint Mary’s buried another goal to take the 2-0 lead late in the first half.
The teams went scoreless for the last nine minutes of the half, so through 45 minutes of action the score sat at Saint Mary’s: 2, Gustavus: 0. The Gusties started to find their footing on offense in the second half as Junior Campbelle Waldspurger put three shots on net, including a narrow miss that tipped over the goal but alas, it was not meant to be.
Saint Mary’s added one final goal at the 82-minute mark of the game to seal the deal. Despite that 3rd goal, Senior Jordan Oelkers continued to make her final push for the Gustavus offense, but St. Mary’s defense thwarted the Gustie attack and at the end of the 90 minutes, Saint Mary’s had won 3-0.
“It’s always hard when something great comes to an end,” Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie said. “This season and this team will hold a special place in our hearts. The fight, grit, joy, and energy this group brought day in and day out will inspire us for years to come.”
Coach Burnette-Kurie also went on to address her seniors specifically, “To the seniors: It’s hard to put into words the impact you have had on this program over the last four years. So we will leave it with this: thank you. Thank you for your energy, your positivity, your fight and your belief. Thank you for making us better every day. You have made us proud and we love you.”
Senior Ellen Becken commented on her experience with the 2024 Gustavus Women’s soccer team: “This year, our team is special in the way that we are all on the same page, working towards a universal goal. All of us strive to make each other better, and we lift each other to success each practice and game. The environment we create as a team is so special, and especially this year I have loved being a part of such a great group.”
Oelkers, who fought till the bitter end in her final game against Saint Mary’s, echoed Becken’s sentiments stating, “We have created an environment where we can all thrive together while striving for the same thing: success (and fun!). This team is so special and amazing!”
The Gustavus Women’s Soccer Team had an outstanding season finishing with a winning record and making the playoffs. The entire team worked hard towards a common goal and made special bonds with each other that will last a lifetime. Great job Gusties and we can’t wait to see what next season brings!