MTU soccer blanks St. Cloud State at home

HOUGHTON — The Michigan Tech soccer team picked up its first win of the season with a 2-0 shutout of St. Cloud State on Sunday (Sept. 7) at Sherman Field. Jacqueline Mielke and Lexi Herrewig provided the offense for the Huskies, and goalkeeper Jenna Phelps picked up her 15th career shutout.

“I though we played a great game today,” Tech coach Michelle Jacob said. “We possessed the ball really well and played simple, quick, quality soccer. We created a lot of opportunities and had two beautiful goals by Lexi and Jackie.”

After a scoreless first half, Herrewig and Mielke connected only 23 seconds after halftime for a 1-0 lead. Mielke fed the ball to Herrewig up the middle who scored from 16 yards out. It was her first of the season and 14th of her career.

“We settled down in the second half and just found the open gaps on their back line,” Herrewig said.

With under five minutes left, Herrewig had a throw-in to Mielke who beat her defender and blasted in a shot from 10 yards out. For Mielke, it was also her first goal of the season and third of her career.

St. Cloud (1-1) did have its chances, finishing with eight shots and three on goal. The best chance was when Michelle Cornell hit the crossbar nine minutes into the game. Gabby Fleck also had a chance after a free kick that Phelps shut the door on.

“Our back line was so strong today,” added Jacob. “Jordon knocked down quite a few balls and Jenna was good in goal.

“I’m just proud of how everyone played today.”

Phelps finished with four saves on the day. Tech had 17 shots, including nine on goal.

“We learned a lot this weekend,” added Herrewig. “We’re here to play and excited for this season and how far we can go.”

Tech is now 1-1 and continues its four-game home stand on Friday (Sept. 13) at 7 p.m., hosting Minnesota Crookston.

(Information Courtesy of MTU Athletics)