After a so-so outing in Indiana the Gophers returned home for their Rock the Robbie match last Friday against the Maryland Terrapins. A huge win on Friday pushed the Gophers back up the standings and above the playoff line. In order to get into the Big Ten Playoffs the Gophers have to finish inside the top eight. Currently after another round of matches the Gophers sit at 10 points and in 8th place. But this week will be a huge test as they face the top two teams in the Big Ten.
Last Week
Gophers 4 – 0 Maryland
Minnesota came out on Friday night in front of a season high crowd and took the match to the Terrapins from the opening whistle. Maryland goalkeeper Faith Luckey kept the Gophers at bay for much of the first half of play. Minnesota scored the only goal of the first in the 24th minute half thanks to Matigann Vixayvong.
The second half was a completely different story though. Minnesota found Luckey's weak point and proceeded to pile on three goals in just 10 minutes. Ava Westlund earned herself a brace with two goals just six minutes apart. Katelyn Rigg tacked on another goal for the Gophers to put them up 4–0. Shortly after the fourth goal Maryland swapped goalkeepers and managed to hold out on giving up another goal.
This Week
Gophers at #2 Michigan State
Minnesota's first of two matches this week is set for Thursday night East Lansing, MI against the Michigan State Spartans. The Spartans have had an amazing season going 9-2-1 (W-D-L) this season and are 5-0-1 B1G play. Michigan State's only loss of the season was a conference match against rival Michigan. The Wolverines are currently in 10th place, so the Spartans are by no means an unbeatable team. But Minnesota are on a four match skid against the Spartans and their home field advantage will help as well.
Gophers vs #6 Ohio State
After facing #2 Michigan State the Gophers will return home for a home showdown against #6 Ohio State. While the Spartans will be a tough match, the Buckeyes could prove to be an even tougher opponent. OSU's 9-1-1 (5-0-1) record is impressive on it's own. But Ohio State's only loss was at UCLA nearly a month ago. UCLA are currently 3rd in the Big Ten and ranked #10 in the country. It's been two years since the Gophers and Buckeyes have faced off, but in the last outing Minnesota took the win by a single goal.
