DULUTH, Minn. – For the first time since the 2021 season, the Michigan Tech women's soccer team completed the opening weekend undefeated with a 1-0 victory at Minnesota Duluth on Saturday afternoon.

The Huskies head home with a record of 2-0, while the Bulldogs drop to 0-2.

"I'm incredibly proud of the team for the continuous hard work throughout the game to secure the win," head coach Melissa Kuhar said. "It wasn't the prettiest game for us but we found a way to win as a group. We were able to come together at halftime and fix some things which helped us get the early goal in the 2nd half—props to our backline and goalkeeper for another shutout!

"Beyond happy to come away 2-0 on the weekend. A great start to the season for our team."

It was a defensive battle through the first half, as both teams only had one shot on goal and two corner kicks, respectively. Taylor Noble placed the lone shot on goal for the Huskies as Malory Russ accounted for UMD's.

Pietila finally broke through in the 48th minute after receiving a throw-in near midfield, beating her initial defender to have enough room to fire a shot low to the right with enough spin on it to slip through the gloves of the Bulldogs keeper and net her first goal of the season. 

Barrows came up clutch in the second half, stopping four shots on goal by the Bulldogs all coming within the last 13 minutes of action.

Both teams had five shots on goal, although the Huskies produced more chances with an 11-9 edge in shots. MTU also won the corner kick battle with a 4-2 advantage over UMD.

Sophomore Olivia Gette, who joined Senior Emilie Clayton as the lone Huskies to log 90 minutes on the pitch, led the Huskies with two shots on goal. Three Bulldogs registered one shot on goal.

Up Next

Michigan Tech completes the nonconference slate on Tuesday, Sept. 17, traveling to Northwood for a noon start.