ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – After a tough opening stretch to start the 2025 season, the College of Saint Benedict soccer team (0-4) heads back on the road this weekend for a pair of nonconference matchups in Wisconsin.
The Bennies will look to break into the win column during a two-game trip that features:
Season So Far: Facing the Nation's Best
It's been a challenging schedule to open the year, with Saint Benedict facing two top-4 nationally ranked teams and four strong programs overall. Despite the 0-4 record, there have been signs of progress, particularly on defense and in goalkeeping.
Standout Performances in Net:
- First-year goalkeeper Claire McGrath posted a season-high 12 saves against No. 4 Emory and now has 21 saves through three games.
- In the loss to Wartburg, Rhianna Anya (7 saves) and Anna Mollenhauser (5 saves) combined for 12 stops.
Notable Moments:
- Avery Soli scored CSB's lone goal of the season so far in a 2-1 loss to Wartburg, marking the sixth of her career.
- Elly Prairie, Summer Seamans, and Lucy Petschel each logged shots on goal vs Emory, showcasing the team's attacking potential despite limited opportunities.
By the Numbers (Through 4 Games):
- Goals Scored: 0.25/game (1 total)
- Goals Allowed: 2.75/game
- Total Shots: 30 (15 on goal)
- Saves: 22 total
UW-Eau Claire, which is 1-3-1 on the season, is directed by 29
th year head coach Sean Yengo. In their most recent game on Sept. 10, the Blugolds earned their first win, a 1-0, decision over Augsburg. UW-EC scored 0.80 goals and allowed 1.80 goals per game.
UW-Oshkosh, which is directed by 21
st year head coach Erin Coppernoll, has opened 1-1-2 this season. In their most recent action, they tied Gustavus Adolphus, 1-1, on Sept. 6 in St. Peter, Minn., before falling, 2-1, to the Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, Wis.
Series History
UW-Eau Claire defeated CSB, 2-0, in the last meeting on August 30, 2024. However, the Bennies have a 15-11-2 overall series advantage. On the road, CSB is 7-6-1 against the Blugolds. In the first matchup, CSB had a 3-0 win on Oct. 10, 1987.
In the all-time series with UW-Oshkosh, the Bennies have a 12-1-1 series advantage, which included a 3-1 win on Sept. 7, 2024, at UW-Oshkosh. CSB has won five straight games in the series and sit 4-1 in road games. In the first contest on Oct. 11, 1987, the Bennies registered a 4-0 win.
At the Helm: Coach Steve Kimble
Now in his 17th season, Head Coach
Steve Kimble continues to lead a program built on consistency and competitiveness. Under his leadership, CSB has:
- 13 winning seasons in 16 years
- 11 MIAC Playoff appearances
- 2 MIAC titles (2011, 2013) and 2 NCAA Tournament appearances
Career Coaching Record at CSB:
- Overall: 154-92-35
- MIAC Play: 97-52-16
Coach Kimble's tenure has also produced:
