Nov. 7, 2008
Purdue (12-6-3, 5-3-2) and Minnesota (19-2, 8-2) opened up the semifinals of the Big Ten Women’s Soccer Tournament playing on a slick field at the UI Soccer Complex.
For most of Friday morning, the soccer field absorbed a steady snow fall, arising immediate concern of solid footing. Despite the adverse conditions, Minnesota utilized the weather to its advantage.
The winds blew towards the south and the Boilermaker goal in the first half, assisting Minnesota’s shot opportunities on goal. The Golden Gophers had 10 attempts on goal in the first 25 minutes while Purdue’s offense was stagnant on their attacking end.
In the eighth minute, Minnesota’s offensive line finally found the net 30 yards out. Senior Clare Grimwood’s shot marked her fourth goal of the season and barely escaped the reach of Purdue’s Jenny Bradfisch inches below the cross bar. Unfortunately for the Gophers, their next three efforts to increase their 1-0 lead over the Boilermakers were denied by the crossbar.
One goal was all Minnesota needed to secure their place in the championship game Sunday at 2 p.m. Minnesota’s opponent will be the winner of Friday’s second semifinal (No. 1 Penn State vs. No. 4 Michigan State).