University of Minnesota Athletics

MINNEAPOLIS – After an undefeated start for the 2024 season, the University of Minnesota soccer team looks ahead to open Big Ten play on Thursday at Illinois before hosting NDSU on Sunday at home. The last time the Golden Gophers were undefeated through six games was back in 2013. Minnesota went 6-0-0 until falling to Florida in Gainesville.  

Minnesota (5-0-1, 0-0-0 B1G) vs Illinois (4-2-1, 0-0-0 B1G)

Date: Sept. 12

Time: 7 p.m. CT

Stream: B1G+

Location: Demerjian Park

Minnesota (5-0-1, 0-0-0 B1G) vs NDSU (3-2-1, 0-0-0 Summit League)

Date: Sept. 15

Time: 1 p.m. CT

Stream: B1G+

Location: Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium

Scouting the Illini

The Fighting Illini look to stay in the win column with the Gophers coming to town. Illinois has posted a 4-2-1 record with its only two losses against Power 4 opponents Kentucky and Georgia. Despite dropping one to the Bulldogs, starting goalkeeper Izzy Lee made a career-high eight saves. Illinois bounced back to defeat Mercer, 3-2. Claire Murrary (1) and Sara Foely (2) finished to add a win to the record. 

Two weeks ago, freshman Regan Moody netted Big Ten Freshman of the Week after scoring against Missouri and Illinois State. She’s the first Illini to receive the nod since Naomi Jackson on Sept. 21, 2021. 

Sophomore defender Mya Archibald has been named to Canada’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Roster. This marks the second time that Archibald has represented Canada at a youth-level World Cup Finals, having also been named to the U-17 squad that competed in India in 2022. She started two matches, helping Canada to a pair of 1-1 draws.

Scouting the Bison

Before the ninth official meeting between the Gophers and Bison, NDSU has a test at home on Thursday against Weber State. So far this season, the Bison are 3-2-2 with wins over Viterbo, Alabama State, and Hawaii Pacific.

Freshman Morgan Russmann leads the offense with three goals this season. The Bettendorf, Iowa native finished a brace at Alabama State and scored the Bison’s lone goal against Hawaii. Senior Olivia Watson and junior Devon Kavanagh follow behind with two goals this season. 

Last Time Out: Illinois

Last season, the Gophers defeated Illinois 3-1 at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. The Illini scored first, but Izzy Brown finished the game-tying goal at the 15 minute mark. Graduate Sophia Romine finished back-to-back goals for the lead and insurance to clinch the win. 

Winning Ways: NDSU

Minnesota holds a perfect 8-0 record over NDSU, dating back to 2004. The Gophers have outscored the Bison 23-2. Every match, except one in 2008, have been held on Minnesota’s home turf. 

This game is the first official meeting since 2018. In the 4-0 win, three Gophers scored including a brace from All-American April Bockin. Defenders Mackenzie Langdok and Nikki Ahlbrecht finished the first and fourth goals, respectively.

Best Start Since 2013

Head coach Erin Chastain has been making history in her fourth season leading her alma mater. Her 5-0-1 start to the season is the best since 2013. 11 seasons ago, the Gophers went 6-0-0 and didn’t earn a result until falling to Florida in Gainesville 2-0.

Goals Galore

Senior forward Khyah Harper continued leading Minnesota’s hot offense last week. The Lino Lakes, Minn., native scored two goals against Army marking her third multi-goal and multi-point game this season. 

Harper now leads the Big Ten Conference in goals (8) and points (19). She sits at second in assists (4), shots (31), and shots on goal (17).