University of St. Thomas Athletics
Tommies Narrowly Fall to Minnesota 2-1
8/30/2026 9:47:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Tommies second half goal surge falls short in the end.
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The University of St. Thomas (0-3-1) narrowly fell to Minnesota (3-1-1) 2-1 on Sunday at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. Despite the loss, St. Thomas managed to score in the second half, but Minnesota's defense held strong to secure the win.
First Half
- Minnesota's early pressure was evident as it earned two corner kicks within the first four minutes, resulting in two shots from Hannah Heinlein.
- At 10:11, Ava Westlund's shot on goal was saved by St. Thomas's goalkeeper, Sophia Alvarez, marking her first of several key saves.
- Minnesota broke the deadlock at 19:37 when Ellen Neuharth scored, assisted by Hailee Christensen, giving the home team a 1-0 lead.
- Alvarez made multiple crucial saves, including a shot from Kate Childers at 36:00, keeping St. Thomas within striking distance as the half ended with Minnesota leading 1-0.
Second Half
- Minnesota pressured early with multiple corner kicks leading to a goal by Caroline Birdsell, assisted by Keegan Schmeiser, at 49:52, putting them ahead 2-0.
- The Tommies responded at 55:12 with a goal from Izzy McEwan, assisted by Melina Knowles and Norah Benson, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. This marked the first assist of the season for both Knowles and Benson, highlighting their emerging playmaking roles.
- Minnesota's Ava Westlund had several attempts on goal, but St. Thomas's goalkeeper, Alvarez, made crucial saves to keep the score within reach.
- Despite late attempts, including a shot by Taylor Heimerl at 80:33, the Tommies could not find the equalizer. Minnesota held on for a 2-1 victory at the final whistle.
Sophia Alvarez made an impressive 12 saves during her 90 minutes in goal, achieving a season high for the team and demonstrating a strong defensive effort against 27 shots faced. Melina Knowles contributed with an assist, highlighting her playmaking ability on the field. Izzy McEwan scored a goal on her only shot, ensuring her effectiveness in front of the net. Norah Benson also added an assist, showcasing her ability to support the offensive play.
The Tommies have a record of 0-3-1. The Gophers hold a record of 3-1-1.
Looking ahead, St. Thomas will host Butler University on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 1 p.m. at South Field in St. Paul, Minnesota.
First Half
- Minnesota's early pressure was evident as it earned two corner kicks within the first four minutes, resulting in two shots from Hannah Heinlein.
- At 10:11, Ava Westlund's shot on goal was saved by St. Thomas's goalkeeper, Sophia Alvarez, marking her first of several key saves.
- Minnesota broke the deadlock at 19:37 when Ellen Neuharth scored, assisted by Hailee Christensen, giving the home team a 1-0 lead.
- Alvarez made multiple crucial saves, including a shot from Kate Childers at 36:00, keeping St. Thomas within striking distance as the half ended with Minnesota leading 1-0.
Second Half
- Minnesota pressured early with multiple corner kicks leading to a goal by Caroline Birdsell, assisted by Keegan Schmeiser, at 49:52, putting them ahead 2-0.
- The Tommies responded at 55:12 with a goal from Izzy McEwan, assisted by Melina Knowles and Norah Benson, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. This marked the first assist of the season for both Knowles and Benson, highlighting their emerging playmaking roles.
- Minnesota's Ava Westlund had several attempts on goal, but St. Thomas's goalkeeper, Alvarez, made crucial saves to keep the score within reach.
- Despite late attempts, including a shot by Taylor Heimerl at 80:33, the Tommies could not find the equalizer. Minnesota held on for a 2-1 victory at the final whistle.
Sophia Alvarez made an impressive 12 saves during her 90 minutes in goal, achieving a season high for the team and demonstrating a strong defensive effort against 27 shots faced. Melina Knowles contributed with an assist, highlighting her playmaking ability on the field. Izzy McEwan scored a goal on her only shot, ensuring her effectiveness in front of the net. Norah Benson also added an assist, showcasing her ability to support the offensive play.
The Tommies have a record of 0-3-1. The Gophers hold a record of 3-1-1.
Looking ahead, St. Thomas will host Butler University on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 1 p.m. at South Field in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Players Mentioned
GK
/ Women's Soccer
MID
/ Women's Soccer
F/M
/ Women's Soccer
F/M
/ Women's SoccerSunday, October 09
Sunday, October 31
Friday, October 29
Sunday, October 17
