ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – With a goal from senior
Abby Willenbring and a strong performance in the goal from junior
Annie Waters, the College of Saint Benedict soccer team (9-5-2, 6-3-1
MIAC) recorded its fifth straight win with an important 1-0 decision over St. Olaf (6-5-4, 4-3-3) in
MIAC play on Saturday (Oct. 21).
For the fifth straight game, Willenbring scored a goal and now has six during that span. She tallied her 11
th career goal, which was also her third game-winner of the season. On defense, CSB was led by goalkeeper
Annie Waters and senior defender
Ella Young. Waters, who is now 8-3-1 on the season, recorded her fifth shutout of the season. She finished with five saves in facing 19 shots. Also on defense, Young played a key role as she continually stopped threats by St. Olaf by clearing the ball from the offensive zone.
With the victory, CSB improved to 9-5-2 overall and sits 6-3-1 in the MIAC and tied for third place with Macalester. Both teams have 19 points with one game to play. With playoff positioning at stake, CSB will host conference leader Carleton College (15-1-1, 9-0-1 MIAC) on Saturday, Oct. 28. at 1 p.m. The victory helped the Bennies improve to 5-0-2 at home this season and 12-0-3 over the past two years.
CSB head coach
Steve Kimble was pleased with his team's group effort and the gritty performance by the Bennies on both ends against a talented team.
"I am proud of how we beat a good St. Olaf team. They are as good as any team that we have seen on our schedule," said Kimble, who earned his 149
th career win and 95
th in conference play. "It was a really difficult win on our home field. I am happy with the group effort and
Annie Waters, who had a couple of great saves to save the game.
Abby Willenbring continues to do magic for us," said Kimble.
Game Summary -
CSB opened the scoring at the 5:06 mark when
Willenbring scored on a shot to the low left corner of the box for a 1-0 lead. Her shot deflected off a St. Olaf defender as the Bennies took a 1-0 lead which they carried to halftime. At the break, CSB had a 6-to-3 edge in shots and had a 1-0 margin in corners.
St. Olaf, who had a 13-to-6 margin in shots in the second half, finished with a 19-12 edge over the Bennies. Both teams each attempted one corner kick. Willenbring had three shots and
Caralyn Conners had two to lead CSB.