CROOKSTON, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Crookston soccer program will open up the 2017 season Fri., Sept. 1 and Sun., Sept. 3 with games against Lindenwood University and Maryville University at Sea Foam Stadium in St. Paul, Minn.
Minnesota Crookston vs. Lindenwood
Fri., Sept. 1, 4 p.m.
Live Stats -
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/csp/
Video -
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/csp/
Minnesota Crookston vs. Maryville
Sun., Sept. 3, 11 a.m.
Live Stats -
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/csp/
Video -
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/csp/
Minnesota Crookston is entering their sixth season under Head Coach
Joe Alianiello. They are looking to improve upon a 3-13-2 mark from the 2016 season. The U of M Crookston is looking to get back to where they were in 2015 and 2014 as the program missed the NSIC Tournament by just one spot each season.
The Golden Eagles bring in a mix of veterans and newcomers as they open the 2017 season. Leading the charge are their six seniors led by
Ellie Brettschneider (Sr., D/MF, Lakeville, Minn.) who has been a versatile player in the central midfield and central defense. In addition, the Golden Eagles return
Madison Korus (Sr., D, Lexington, Minn.),
Nicole Corbin (Sr., D, Ramsey, Minn.),
Nikki Dogan (Sr., MF, Grand Forks, N.D.) and
Gabby Kekke (Sr., MF/F, Argyle, Minn.). In addition,
Maggie Gibbons (Sr., D, Cohasset, Minn.) returns to the back line after a two-year hiatus. Gibbons was a starter as a freshman for Coach Alianiello's squad.
In net Minnesota Crookston looks to
Olivia Puttin (So., GK, Rogers, Minn.), who saw limited action behind
Lexie Gauger last season. Puttin posted a 0.91 goals against average last season with 16 saves in two starts.
In addition to the returnees, Coach Alianiello has added 11 young and talented players to the roster who will look to bolster the squad this season.
Lindenwood
The Golden Eagles will open the season Fri., Sept. 1 against Lindenwood University at 4 p.m.. The Lions went 10-8-1 last season. Lindenwood will look to forward Becky Roberts, who notched seven goals and six assists last season. In addition, the Lions return senior midfielder Alyssa Houck, who notched five goals and two assists.
In net, Lindenwood looks to Lauren Greenstein and Mary McGilvray, who both return. Greenstein posted a 1.32 goals against average with 35 saves last season, while McGilvray notched a 1.41 goals against average with 55 saves.
Maryville
The Golden Eagles take on Maryville University Sun., Sept. 3 at 11 a.m. Maryville is coming off of a 6-11 record during the 2016 season. The Saints look to midfielder Allison Verville, who notched six goals a season ago. In addition, sophomore midfielder Casey Gonzales returns after averaging three goals last season.
In net, Alison Riddle returns after averaging 1.40 goals against with 69 saves.
