Hoosiers hope for NCAA selection after 4th straight loss

The Hoosier’s women’s soccer team saw their season come to an end Friday as they fell 1-0 at Minnesota (12-5-3, 5-3-2).

For IU (10-7-2, 2-6-2), it was their fourth game in eight days. During that stretch, they lost all four games, three of which by one goal.

“It was all physical,” IU coach Mick Lyon said. “As far as being discouraged or anything like that, absolutely not. These kids are so resilient.”

Coming off an emotional loss against Purdue in Bloomington on Tuesday, the team left it all on the field Friday.

In the first half, both teams traded opportunities, finishing with four shots a piece at the end of the half. Lyon thought the energy translated over very well from the heartbreaking loss against Purdue.

“I think we looked very good in the first half,” Lyon said. “We controlled the ball extremely well, and, unfortunately, we sort of just ran out of gas toward the end.”

The Golden Gophers came out aggressive in the second half, quickly firing three shots on goal, one of which hit the post. Junior goalkeeper Lauren Hollandsworth was able to repel the attack for the time being.

Then, in the 79th minute, coming off a corner kick, Minnesota forward Molly Rouse made a run near the post, and headed a ball that was too far away for Hollandsworth to save to take the 1-0 lead. It would prove to be the eventual game-winner for Rouse.

The Hoosiers must now wait and see if they are given a bid to the NCAA Tournament. The selection committee will meet at 8 p.m. Monday on ESPN News.