NORTHFIELD, MINN. – The Luther College women's soccer team put up quite the fight in its season opener against Carleton College. The Norse struck early against the Knights, holding a 1-0 lead over their opponent at the end of the first half. Two second half goals, though, eventually lead to a 2-1 Carleton victory, as Luther opens the 2022 season with a 0-1-0 record.
BATTLE TO THE FINISH
The tides were in the Norse's favor in the first half, as they took a 1-0 lead over the host Knights just two minutes into regulation. Reigning All-Conference honoree Maggie Haller (Minneapolis, Minn. / DeLaSalle) found teammate Rose Sieve (Apple Valley, Minn. / Rosemount) in front of the net for the tap in goal, giving Luther a 1-0 advantage at the two minute mark. Irelyan Baumberger (Evansville, Wis. / Evansville) maintained the lead for the Norse, saving five shots in the first 45 minutes alone.
Carleton eventually snuck one by Baumberger at 50:48 in the second half, beating her inside to the far post to even the score at 1-1. It looked that that score would hold through the end of regulation, as Baumberger and the Luther defense turned away shot after shot. A loose ball in the box, however, resulted in the Knights' second goal of the game, as they secured the 2-1 victory at 76:58 in the second.
TOP NORSE
- Senior Rose Sieve (Apple Valley, Minn. / Rosemount) scored Luther's first goal of the 2022 season as she beat Carleton's goal at 2:00 in the first. Maggie Haller (Minneapolis, Minn. / DeLaSalle) tallied the lone assist and led the team with two shots on goal.
- Senior keeper Irylend Baumberger (Evansville, Wis. / Evansville) made eight saves in the season opening loss to Carleton and saw 10 total shots on goal. The Knights peppered the Norse defense with 21 total shots in 90 minutes of play.
UP NEXT
Luther will enjoy a few days off before hosting (RV) St. Catherine University in its first home game of 2022. The Norse will face the Wildcats at 7:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday, September 7 at the Luther soccer field in Decorah, Iowa.
For all the latest on Luther Women's Soccer, stay tuned to luthernorse.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
