ST. PAUL, Minn. — The St. Catherine University soccer team opened Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play with a 1-0 road victory over Macalester College on Wednesday night, using a first-half goal from
Emily Henaman and a nine-save shutout from
Brianna Valdez to secure the win. The Wildcats improved to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in MIAC play with the victory.
St. Catherine created several early opportunities before breaking through in the 27th minute. After entering the match as a substitute, Henaman found the back of the net at 26:15 off an assist from
Charlotte Willems to give the Wildcats a 1-0 advantage. The goal was Henaman's first of the season.
The Wildcats continued to apply pressure following the goal.
Ceci Emery put an attempt on frame late in the opening half, but Macalester goalkeeper Abigail Heuga made the save as St. Catherine carried its one-goal lead into halftime.
Macalester increased the pressure after the break, forcing Valdez into seven second-half saves. The Wildcat goalkeeper turned away attempts in the 51st, 59th and 62nd minutes as St. Catherine protected its advantage.
The Wildcats generated chances of their own down the stretch.
Bella Meier and
Ali Owens each put shots on goal less than a minute apart in the 79th minute, while
Jaidyn Richter forced another Macalester save in the 86th.
Macalester made one final push in the closing minutes, putting three shots on goal between the 88th and 89th minutes. Valdez stopped all three, including back-to-back attempts from Charlotte Martel, to preserve the shutout and St. Catherine's 1-0 conference-opening victory.
Valdez finished with nine saves while earning her first win and shutout of the season. Henaman recorded two shots and the game-winning goal, while Willems picked up the assist. The teams finished even with 12 shots apiece, with St. Catherine putting six on goal. The Wildcats also held a 6-5 advantage in corner kicks.
St. Kate's will travel to Northfield on Saturday facing MIAC foe, Carleton College at 1 pm.
