In their top-five home opener matchup, the No. 4 Grand Valley State University women’s soccer team (2-1) was handed its first loss of the season, 1-0, at the hands of No. 3 Minnesota State University (1-0-1).
Entering the first half of Friday’s game, both teams’ defenses were on full display, slowing down the opposing offense. The Lakers fought for an early goal, with multiple shots in the first few minutes of play. Sophomore forward Sarah Fromm, who’s guided the Lakers with three goals this season, led in shots throughout the first half.
On the other end of the field, the Lakers’ defense locked down the Mavericks, holding them to only three total shots, with redshirt freshman goalkeeper Sara Csernyik garnering one save.
Although the Lakers outshot the Mavericks 12-3, the score remained an unchanged 0-0 after the 45-minute mark. Still looking for the lead, GVSU keyed in on adjustments.
“I think we just need to be composed around the goal,” said Fromm. “We can get there, and we’ve had multiple chances. We just need to know when and how to place it, put power on it and just crash the net.”
In the second half of the match, both teams’ defenses continued to hold the game to a tight contest. It wasn’t until the 71-minute mark that the deadlock was broken, when the Mavericks capitalized and scored the first and only goal of the match. Needing to ramp up their offense in hopes of tying the score, GVSU began to pressure Minnesota State with multiple shots. Leading that drive was junior forward Alli French with four shots in the second half. Despite outshooting their opponent 12-5, the Lakers were unable to survive the strong Maverick defense.
After facing top-ranked competition, Fromm reflected on the team’s play.
“I think our back line did a really good job of stepping and winning those balls out of the air, so we could keep it in our attacking half,” said Fromm. “It allowed us to get wide, make runs in the box, play through the middle and then back out wide. We just have to finish in the box.”
Head coach Katelyn Longino gave credit to Minnesota State’s players after the game.
“They had a good game, good battle and good competition,” said Longino. “When you’re playing three or four (ranked teams) in the country, it’s going to be a tight-margin game, and every detail matters in those games.”
Fromm similarly commented on the quality of the opposing team, as the Lakers went into the game anticipating toughness.
“They were definitely physical,” said Fromm. “We knew that going into this game, but I think we fought back hard. They won a couple on our backs, but I think it just pushes us to get better and we can definitely learn from that.”
Dropping to 2-1 on the season, the Lakers returned home Sept. 14 to face Central Missouri University (1-1-1) for their Kids’ Day game.
“We have another big game coming up on Sunday,” said Longino. “We have to be able to flip the switch and respond, and be ready for the next one. I think you that’s certainly what we’ll focus on here, starting now into tomorrow.”
