Women’s Premier Soccer League

Sioux Falls shows up strong in WPSL Post Season awards

Sioux Falls City FC had an unbeaten regular season and won a third successive Franchise of the Year award in the Northern Conference. Goalkeeper Cambell Fischer and forward Mia Mullenmeister won defensive and offensive players of the year in the conference. Fischer comes from the Sioux Falls metro and plays at the University of South Dakota. Mullenmeister, from the home of the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD is playing further afield at Utah State. 

They were joined by team mates Jordan Tenpas (From Orange County, California and now playing at Washburn University, having transferred from Minot State) and Katharina Oelschlager (From Nordrhein-Westfalen in Germany and playing at Florida Gulf Coast) as All Region selections.

That XI also sees a hat trick of three-time selections from the University of Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro, in Paige Kalal (MN Thunder), Molly Fiedler and Khyah Harper (Salvo). Notre Dame players Olivia Bohl and Izzy Engle (Both also from the Twin Cities metro and Thunder), Jordyn Jeffers and Avery Murdzek (Both Wisconsinites for St Croix Legacy) round out the selection. Jeffers plays for Ball State and Murdzek plays for South Dakota State. 

by Tim Abbott

WPSL Central Playoff Gallery

Union KC 1-2 FC Pride

This weekend, the WPSL Central Playoffs took place. Read our recap here  and check out our full gallery below. All photos by Sonja K Abbott.

FC Pride's Cassie Rodriguez (7) follows in the first goal for her squad.

FC Pride celebrate with the WPSL Central Region trophy (Photo: Sonja Abbott)

FC Pride celebrate winning the Central Region of WPSL (Photo: Sonja Abbott)

The referees leave after the match

FC Pride celebrate winning the Central Region of WPSL (Photo: Sonja Abbott)

FC Pride's Summer Fishel (26) shields the ball from a Union KC challenge in midfield.

Union KC get a shot on target.

Union KC prepare to cross the ball towards goal

Union KC on the attack

Union KC and FC Pride battle in midfield

Union KC and FC Pride battle in midfield

Anisten Cabantac (40) for Union KC fights for possession with a FC Pride midfielder.

Union KC v FC Pride

Union KC's Lily Hollis (12) runs down the left wing, watched on by Anna Lack (24) and FC Pride defenders.

Union KC v FC Pride

Union KC and FC Pride fight for possession along the touchline (yellow)

Union KC's Reagyn Messenger (42) plays the ball back to her goalkeeper

Union KC's Makenzie Hood (13) competes for the ball in the air against FC Pride.

FC Pride's Megan Hutchinson (17) competes for the ball against three Union KC players.

Union KC get a goal back through Gianna Mir.

FC Pride's Summer Fishel (26) takes on a Union KC defender on the left wing.

Tatum Coleman puts FC Pride up 2-0 with a cross shot from the right wing,

Players jostle for position in the Union KC penalty area as a free kick for FC Pride is taken

Players jostle for position in the Union KC penalty area as a free kick for FC Pride is taken by #26 Summer Fishel

Players jostle for position in the Union KC penalty area as a free kick for FC Pride is taken by #26 Summer Fishel

Union KC line up a two-woman wall as a free kick for FC Pride is taken by #26 Summer Fishel

FC Pride's Caroline Kelley (30) chases the ball versus Union KC.

Union KC strike the crossbar from 27 yards out.

Union KC strike the crossbar from 27 yards out.

Union KC's Adee Broesder (49) and another midfielder close in on a FC Pride attacker in midfield.

Union KC on the attack.

Union KC come close to an equalizer versus FC Pride

Union KC swarm an FC Pride attacker.

Union KC v FC Pride

Union KC attempt to control the ball versus FC Pride

Union KC v FC Pride

Union KC attack the FC Pride goal

Union KC pass the ball across midfield

FC Pride mount an attack vs Union KC

FC Pride take a right wing corner

Players from Union KC and FC Pride await a corner.

FC Pride attack down the right wing vs Union KC

FC Pride attack down the right wing vs Union KC

FC Pride attack down the right wing vs Union KC

FC Pride attack down the right wing vs Union KC

FC Pride attack down the right wing vs Union KC

Union KC shield the ball in midfield vs FC Pride

Union KC attack down their left wing vs FC Pride.

FC Pride chase down a ball in midfield vs Union KC

Union KC and FC Pride compete for the ball in midfield.

Union KC and FC Pride compete for the ball on the touchline

Union KC v FC Pride

Union KC v FC Pride

FC Pride's Cassie Rodriguez (7) takes on Union KC's Reagyn Messenger (42)

Union KC v FC Pride

Union KC v FC Pride

FC Pride corner from the right.

FC Pride attack down the right wing v Union KC

FC Pride attack down the right wing v Union KC

Union KC and FC Pride compete for the ball in midfield.

Union KC attack down their right

Union KC and FC Pride compete for the ball in midfield.

Union KC and FC Pride compete for the ball in midfield.

Union KC and FC Pride compete for the ball in midfield.

Union KC's Lily Hollis (12) and FC Pride's Kayla Budish (24) compete for the ball in midfield.

Union KC and FC Pride compete for the ball in midfield.

Union KC's Adee Broesder (49) leads an attack v FC Pride

Union KC take a corner

Union KC and FC Pride compete for the ball in midfield

FC Pride's Gracey Dunaway hits the crossbar

FC Pride's Gracey Dunaway hits the crossbar

FC Pride's Gracey Dunaway hits the crossbar

FC Pride compete for the ball in midfield v Union KC

FC Pride compete for the ball in midfield v Union KC

FC Pride compete for the ball in midfield v Union KC

FC Pride prepare to take a corner v Union KC

An FC Pride free kick is taken

FC Pride's Summer Fishel (26) takes a free kick v Union KC.

FC Pride's Summer Fishel (26) takes a free kick v Union KC.

Union KC commit a foul against FC Pride's Kayla Budish (24)

FC Pride take a midfield free kick

Union KC's Kate Gibson (10) beats FC Pride's Megan Hutchinson (17) to a ball.

Union KC v FC Pride

Union KC v FC Pride

Union KC v FC Pride

FC Pride attack down their right wing

Union KC v FC Pride

FC Pride's Megan Hutchinson (17) latches on to a pass.

FC Pride attack v Union KC

Union KC and FC Pride compete in midfield

FC Pride mount an attack v Union KC

Union KC v FC Pride compete in midfield

Union KC v FC Pride

Union Kansas City huddle at halftime

FC Pride defend a Union KC attack

FC Pride defend a Union KC attack

FC Pride defend a Union KC attack

Union KC attack v FC Pride

FC Pride control the ball

Union KC and FC Pride tangle in midfield

Union KC and FC Pride tangle in midfield

Union KC's Allison Estanich (23) attacks.

Union KC mount an attack

Union KC v FC Pride

Union KC and FC Pride compete

FC Pride attempt to control the ball v Union KC

FC Pride attack

FC Pride blast a ball clear of the penalty area

Union KC attack down the right wing.

Union KC attack down the right wing.

Union KC have a shot on goal

Union KC and FC Pride compete in the air

Union KC control the ball in the penalty area

Union KC take a right wing corner

Union KC attack.

FC Pride's Summer Fishel (26) defends against Union KC's Anna Lack (24)

Union KC attack FC Pride

A cross by Union KC's Kate Gibson (10) is blocked by FC Pride.

Union KC attack FC Pride

FC Pride attack the Union KC goal.

FC Pride run on to a through ball

Union KC attack down the right wing.

Union KC and FC Pride compete in midfield

Union KC and FC Pride compete in midfield

Union KC and FC Pride compete in midfield

Union KC attack the FC Pride penalty area.

Union KC attack the right wing.

Union KC and FC Pride compete in midfield

Union KC v FC Pride

Union KC and FC Pride compete in midfield

Union KC attack the right wing.

FC Pride make a group substitution

FC Pride attack

FC Pride attack v Union KC

Union KC attack from midfield v FC Pride.

Union KC and FC Pride compete in midfield

Union KC fight for possession v FC Pride

FC Pride's Breece Bass breaking the offside trap in the 32nd minute to put Pride ahead.

FC Pride's Breece Bass breaking the offside trap in the 32nd minute to put Pride ahead.

FC Pride pass the ball through to Bass for the go ahead goal.

FC Pride's Summer Fishel (26) and Sienna Mullen (14) challenge Union KC for the ball.

Union KC mount an attack

Union KC compete with FC Pride in midfield.

Union KC compete with FC Pride in midfield.

FC Pride attack the Union KC goal.

FC Pride attack the Union KC goal.

Union KC protect the ball from an FC Pride challenge.

Union KC's goalkeeper corals a shot.

FC Pride protect a ball from a challenge by Union KC.

FC Pride attack the Union KC goal.

FC Pride attack the Union KC goal.

FC Pride attack the Union KC goal.

FC Pride attack the Union KC goal.

Union KC and FC Pride compete for a ball.

FC Pride's Gracey Dunaway (2) competes with Union KC's Kate Gibson (10) for a ball.

FC Pride mount an attack in midfield

Union KC takes a corner from the right.

Union KC takes a corner from the right.

Union KC's Lily Kytasaari (27) moves into position following a corner.

Union KC mount an attack down the right wing.

Union KC's Kate Gibson (10) shields the ball from a challenge in midfield.

Union KC's Kate Gibson (10) shields the ball from a challenge in midfield.

Union KC mount an attack in midfield.

Union KC's Adriana Benassi (6) competes with FC Pride's Maddie Swingle (27) for an aerial ball.

Union KC v FC Pride

Union KC v FC Pride

Union KC v FC Pride

A Summer Fishel corner in the 67th minute found the post via an effort on goal from Caroline Kelly for FC Pride.

Union KC v FC Pride

Union KC v FC Pride

Union KC v FC Pride

Union KC attack down the left.

Union KC build in midfield v FC Pride

Union KC's Allison Estanich (23) faces up an FC Pride defender.

Union KC v FC Pride

Union KC v FC Pride

Union KC line up a free kick from the right

Union KC line up a free kick from the right

FC Pride shield the ball in the center circle.

FC Pride's Carly Gilbert (6) takes on a challenge from Union KC

FC Pride's Carly Gilbert (6) takes a throw-in.

Union KC attack FC Pride.

Union KC and FC Pride contest possession in midfield.

Union KC's goalkeeper prepares a goalkick

Union KC's goalkeeper prepares a goal kick

Kick off between FC Pride and Union KC

The captains of Union KC and FC Pride meet the referees.

FC Pride's pre-match huddle

Union KC's pre-match huddle

Union KC v FC Pride.

FC Pride and the referees lined up

Union KC and referees lined up

by Tim Abbott

WPSL Central Playoff Spotlight

The #1 team in the country, Sioux Falls City FC, hosted the Central Region’s playoffs over the weekend, with the winners of the Heartland, Midwest and Mountain Conferences all joining the North’s best with the heat index hitting over 100 degrees on both days.

Saturday

(National Ranking/Regional Ranking)

#1/1 Sioux Falls City v FC Pride

The first chance of the game came in the tenth minute through Sioux Falls City’s Mia Mullenmeister. The Pride goalkeeper Abby Jenkins cleans her out, no penalty was called. You be the judge:

Shortly after the first water break, in the nineteenth minute, Kayla Budish put the visitors ahead with a calm finish past Cambell Fischer. The team from Indiana would then proceed to control play through the remainder of the first half and the Aquawomen went in to the locker room up 1-0.

The second half began with City on the front foot and it was their turn to look expectantly at the referee in the penalty area. While they had no luck on that occasion, the hosts’ pressure was incessant and after a couple of corners the ball found its way into the Pride net, only to be ruled out with the referee pointing to his hand and then to the penalty spot. Jordan Tenpas made the reprieve for Pride temporary, hammering home the penalty kick equalizer.

Kayla Budish continued to produce chances for the visitors, including hitting the post, but it was City who went ahead. Hailee Christensen firing a laser from just outside the penalty area, across the goalkeeper and into the far post in the eightieth minute.

Both sides would again have chances but it was Pride who scored with the last kick of regulation, in the fifth minute of stoppage time, with Budish again on the end of a powerful free kick from fractionally outside the right corner of the penalty area.

She would complete her hat trick on a solo counter in the 108th minute but it was City’s turn to snatch a last-gasp equalizer, Mia Mullenmeister finishing off a free kick in the 120th. 

And so it went to “kicks from the mark”, or a penalty shootout as it is usually called, with Lulu Moreno unfortunately the player to miss for Sioux Falls – ending a perfect season in the most imperfect way.

Speaking to us after the match, FC Pride head coach Jamie Gilbert spoke warmly of the contest:

One of the best games I’ve been involved with. I thought we’d won it, but obviously they scored in the last second but yeah, incredible game.

Very, very good advertisement for the league. It’s an incredible environment here in Sioux Falls, what the club have done here is fantastic. It was an incredible environment to play in. It’s a game I probably won’t forget for a while.

#7/5 Colorado Pride v  #15/7 Union KC

Somehow, the second straight upset of this matchday struggled to reach the heights of the breathless first match, with the Heartland Conference winners holding off late pressure from Mountain Conference winners Colorado Pride.

Union started the game on the front foot and after 9 mins of constant pressure, Adriana Benassi made it 1-0 on the counter. And then, just minutes after Pride had a chance to tie it up, Kate Gibson brokeaway to make it 2-0.

Things got more interesting after the break, Megan Davies benefiting from the high press to make it 2-1 with barely two minutes on the second half clock. There followed a period of end-to-end action, with Adriana Benassi poking home her second from a long diagonal which was squared into the middle to make it 3-1 but Nicole Ray slotting home a long pass into the left back berth for Pride’s second only 3 minutes later. 

The last twenty minutes were marked by chances not taken by the Coloradans, with the keeper’s leg and the crossbar intervening.  

The game nearly had a grandstand finish, but Union KC held on.

 

Sunday – WPSL Central Championship

After a back and forth opening half hour, it was Breece Bass breaking the offside trap in the 32nd minute to put Pride ahead. 

Union Kansas City finished the half on top, but were unable to equalise.

Gracey Dunaway cannoned the ball off the crossbar in the 51st minute as Pride continued to push forward in search of the decisive blow. Their closest effort came in the 67th minute when a Summer Fishel corner in the 67th minute found the post via an effort on goal from Caroline Kelly..

Adriana Benassi whipped a ball over for Union KC.  Then, in the 75th minute, they struck the crossbar with an audacious 27 yard free kick. It would take another 10 minutes before Gigi Meer would score for Union, but unfortunately for them, Tatum Coleman had scored the second for Pride just three minutes earlier.

Union KC and referees lined up

FC Pride and the referees lined up

Union KC v FC Pride.

Union KC's pre-match huddle

FC Pride's pre-match huddle

The captains of Union KC and FC Pride meet the referees.

Kick off between FC Pride and Union KC

FC Pride pass the ball through to Bass for the go ahead goal.

FC Pride's Breece Bass breaking the offside trap in the 32nd minute to put Pride ahead.

FC Pride's Breece Bass breaking the offside trap in the 32nd minute to put Pride ahead.

FC Pride's Cassie Rodriguez (7) follows in the first goal for her squad.

Union KC strike the crossbar from 27 yards out.

A Summer Fishel corner in the 67th minute found the post via an effort on goal from Caroline Kelly for FC Pride.

Union KC strike the crossbar from 27 yards out.

FC Pride's Gracey Dunaway hits the crossbar

FC Pride's Gracey Dunaway hits the crossbar

FC Pride's Gracey Dunaway hits the crossbar

Tatum Coleman puts FC Pride up 2-0 with a cross shot from the right wing,

Union KC get a goal back through Gianna Mir.

The Full Time score - Union KC 1- FC Pride 2.

FC Pride celebrate winning the Central Region of WPSL (Photo: Sonja Abbott)

The referees leave after the match

FC Pride celebrate with the WPSL Central Region trophy (Photo: Sonja Abbott)

We spoke to Pride Head Coach Jamie Gilbert again following his team’s victory:

A different game than last night. A lot less drama. We did what we had to do in very, very hot conditions after a very good team W last night. Respect to our opponents and we’re looking forward to Oklahoma.

Check out our full photo gallery here

And so it is on to Stillwater, OK for the Pride. They will play South champion (and defending WPSL champion) Charlotte Eagles. East champions Clarkstown face California Storm in the other semifinal. Both those matches are on Friday, with the Final on Sunday.

by Tim Abbott

WPSL Central Playoff Preview

The #1 team in the country, Sioux Falls City FC, host the Central Region's playoffs over the weekend.

Saturday

(National Ranking/Regional Ranking)

#1/1 Sioux Falls City v FC Pride

Sioux Falls City's Katharina Oelschlager leads the deepest and most prolific attack in the region, while Cambell Fischer has only conceded 1 goal as a starting goalie all season. On the other hand, FC Pride finished the season with a record of 6-1-4 (W-D-L), while scoring the same number of goals as the division's top team, FC Dayton. Pride moved on to South Dakota with a road victory against the previously undefeated Lake Michigan Division winners FC Milwaukee Torrent.

#7/5 Colorado Pride v #15/7 Union KC

Colo Pride were a high-scoring winner of the Rockies Division of the Mountain Conference, knocking in 38. Bello Omowunmi, with 13 goals and Abby Stassi with 6, have been the biggest contributors. Union KC (8-1-1) won the Heartland Conference and thus a spot in the playoffs but are middle of the pack in scoring and in goal difference across the region.

by Tim Abbott

WPSL Central Region Playoffs Preview

Playoffs! In the Northland!

As part of the planned rotation between regions, it has long been known that the Northern Conference's winners this year would not only seal that conference's only spot in the playoffs, but would also host the Central Regional finals. This year there is only one Conference Championship in the Central Region.

FC Pride (who finished third in the Gateway) play Lake Michigan winners Milwaukee Torrent for the Midwest Conference on Sunday for a place in Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls City in the Northern Conference and the Heartland division winners Union KC are spared that extra game, Rockies division winners Colorado Pride have won the Mountain Conference's spot in the Central Region's final four.

I will be investigating how clubs qualified for the postseason without winning their conference.

by Tim Abbott

WPSL Spotlight: St Croix Legacy v Sioux Falls City

Sioux Falls City FC completed their perfect season with a win over St Croix Legacy. The winning goal came from Taylor Thomas. The other results from this round are covered here

Sioux Falls City and St Croix Legacy compete for the ball

Sioux Falls City and St Croix Legacy compete for the ball

Sioux Falls City and St Croix Legacy compete in the air for the ball

Sioux Falls City player controls the ball off her instep.

Sioux Falls City player heads the ball forward

Sioux Falls City and St Croix Legacy compete for the ball

Sioux Falls City and St Croix Legacy compete for the ball

Sioux Falls City look to mount an attack

Sioux Falls City control the ball

Sioux Falls City and St Croix Legacy compete for the ball

A St Croix Legacy player lays off a pass

Sioux Falls City head the ball towards goal

A St Croix Legacy player lays off a pass

A St Croix Legacy player lays off a pass

A shot on target from a Sioux Falls City player brings a sharp response.

Sioux Falls City celebrate a goal

Sioux Falls City and St Croix Legacy compete for the ball

Sioux Falls City and St Croix Legacy compete for the ball

Sioux Falls City and St Croix Legacy compete for the ball

A Sioux Falls City player shields the ball from a St Croix Legacy opponent.

Sioux Falls City and St Croix Legacy compete for the ball

Sioux Falls City and St Croix Legacy compete for the ball in the air.

The St Croix Legacy are introduced

Sioux Falls City are introduced

The two teams go out onto the pitch

by Tim Abbott

WPSL Wrap-Up: Week 8

The battle for the North was all set up for a showdown on Friday, albeit with an unexpectedly tight result in Maple Grove.

Wednesday

St Croix Legacy 1-0 Mankato United

This was a Spotlight Match of the week, full gallery here.

Minnesota Thunder 11-2 Rochester United

Caroline Bailey scored a hat trick, Kiya Gilliand scored two and Vesna Dennison, Taylor Heimerl, Paige Peltier, Paige Kalal, Izzy Engle and Allison Flies all scored once for Thunder. Kylie Miranto and Sydney Tucker scored for the Lions.

MapleBrook Fury 0-1 Salvo SC

A penalty kick from the prolific Khyah Harper kept Salvo's season perfect.

Friday

Dakota Fusion 0-4 Joy Athletic Club

A strong second half by the Goats, yet another defeat for Fusion. Brooke Quam scored twice, Ashley Bennett and

Magnolia Millar Bruzek also scored.

Sioux Falls City 1-0 Salvo SC

Mia Bosch sealed the Conference title, and hosting rights for the playoffs, with a winner in the 60th minute, from a Mia Mullenmeister pass and off a despairing Ayden Gagner in the Salvo net.

Saturday

Mankato United 5-0 Manitou FC

Jadyn Chee, Kelsey Heller, Lucy Weninger, Ava Stanchina and Marit Klagge all scored for United.

Sunday

Dakota Fusion 0-2 Rochester United

Rochester United travelled to Fargo with only 11 players but matched up with a team who rostered only 12.

A back and forth opening few minutes marked by few chances, often only just missed by both sides. 

Right on half time, a free kick for Rochester, bounced high over the Fusion keeper Quinn Carter but was somehow scrambled clear. 

Fusion’s Sarah Burgum, missed a chance, over the crossbar, from inside the 6 yard box and only ten minutes later, Rochester United had a two run lead.  Sydney Tucker benefited from a long ball down the middle which bounced free of the Fusion offside trap, slotting past a disgruntled Carter. Two minutes later, Kylie Mirango made it 2-0 to the visitors, slapping home a ball which found her in the six yard box from a midfield free kick.  

Fusion finished the game on the front foot but failed to spoil the clean sheet. With that result, the team from Fargo-Moorhead head to MapleBrook next week hoping for a two win season but with the chance for a transformatory three-win season gone by the way.

Joy Athletic Club 1-0 MapleBrook Fury

Ashley Bennett scored the winner in the Goats last game of the season. Ben VanWyk has a full Spotlight gallery here

St Croix Legacy 0-1 Sioux Falls City

Taylor Thomas's early strike is enough to give the Northern Conference Champions a perfect regular season. Jason Morales Ortiz has the Spotlight coverage here.

Coming Up:

Sunday July 7th:

MapleBrook Fury v Dakota Fusion

by Tim Abbott

WPSL Spotlight: Joy Athletic Club v MapleBrook Fury

Ben VanWyk brings our WPSL spotlight to the match up of MapleBrook Fury and Joy Athletic.

The rest of the week’s coverage, including multiple other Spotlights, will be published soon.

Joy AC Winger chases down loose ball

Joy AC tackle on MapleBrook Fury Striker (#4)

Joy AC Throw In

MapleBrook Fury Freekick

Joy AC Goalkeeper (#1) punts the ball

MapleBrook Fury Striker (#4) tries to split the Joy AC defenders

Joy AC centerback (#22) controls the ball

Joy AC (#17) plays with the ball in the midfield

50/50 between Joy AC and MapleBrook Fury

Joy AC Freekick

Joy AC Starting XI

MapleBrook Fury Striker (#4) shot on goal

Joy AC Goalkick

MapleBrook Fury Starting XI

MapleBrook Header

by Tim Abbott

WPSL Spotlight: St Croix Legacy v Mankato United

WPSL Spotlight: St Croix Legacy 1-0 Mankato United

Against the run of play, St Croix Legacy won a narrow victory, with a goal from Laney Murdzek. Enjoy Ben VanWyk’s photos.

Mankato United's Ashley Casper (#3) Wins Header off of a Corner

Mankato United Player Goes into a Tackle Against St. Croix Player

St. Croix's Lexi Huber (#14) carries the ball through the midfield

St. Croix's Jordan Jeffers (#2) Controls the Ball

50/50 between Mankato United and St. Croix

St. Croix makes space with a stepover

St. Croix gets the ball in the midfield

St. Croix trying to win the ball from Mankato United

Mankato United's Louisa Shromoff (#5) wins header over St. Croix Player

Mankato United's Courtney Kovacs (#14) fends off contest from St. Croix

Starting XI

St. Croix Clearance

by Tim Abbott

WPSL Wrap-Up: Week 7

With so much action in the league this week, we spotlighted Salvo's comprehensive victory over Manitou. The other results are as follows:

Tuesday

St Croix Legacy 3-2 Rochester United

Lexi Huber (from Kallianne Mogler) and then Lainey Murdzek (from Avery Murdzek) put Legacy ahead 2-0 within the opening half-hour. Sydney Tucker got a double (both unassisted, in the 62nd and 69th minutes) to tie the match but Lainey Murdzek popped up in the 85th minute (this time from Claire Cater) to steal the three points for the hosts.

Wednesday

Mankato United 2-1 Joy Athletic Club

Goals from Ella Huettl and Jadyn Chee for the hosts carried United past their visitors' late goal from Ashley Bennett.  

MapleBrook Fury 1-6 Minnesota Thunder

Kendall Stadden's tally for the hosts was met with thunderous intent with goals by Grace Estby, Caroline Bailey, Paige Kalal, Izzy Engle and Paige Peltier. 

Friday

Dakota Fusion 0-5 Sioux Falls City

Sioux Falls City kept pace with Salvo, with an explosion of scoring from Katharina Oelschlager - three goals in seven minutes (although one was probably an own goal) providing the dagger. Oelschlager is credited with four goals overall from the game and Yui Fujii opened the scoring, after an opening 30 minutes where they had repeatedly failed to connect on final passes but had otherwise knocked on the door.  

Saturday

Manitou FC 1-3 Joy AC

The basement battle went the way of the team from St Louis Park. Brooke Quam put Joy ahead, before Tatum Trettel equalized. Brooke Nast and Ashley Bennett made sure of the points. 

MapleBrook Fury 2-1 St Croix Legacy

Madalyn Grate and Olivia Lovick scored for Fury. Legacy responded with a goal from Laney Murdzek. 

Sunday

Minnesota Thunder 7-0 Dakota Fusion

Izzy Engle scored a hat trick, Grace Estby picked up two and Paige Peltier and Caroline Bailey scored single goals. 

Sioux Falls City 5-0 Mankato United

Hailee Christensen with two, Katharina Oelschlager, Yui Fujii and Mia Bosch kept Sioux Falls in the hunt for the playoff spot. 

Rochester United 0-6 Salvo

Khyah Harper scored a hat trick, Sophia Baresteh got two and Katelyn Buelke scored as the team from the Twin Cities lined up a potential playoff decider on Friday in Sioux Falls. 

Coming Up:

Wednesday

St Croix Legacy v Mankato United

Minnesota Thunder v Rochester United

MapleBrook Fury v Salvo SC

Friday

Dakota Fusion v Joy Athletic Club

Sioux Falls City v Salvo SC

Saturday

Mankato United v Manitou FC

Sunday

Dakota Fusion v Rochester United

Joy Athletic Club v MapleBrook Fury

St Croix Legacy v Sioux Falls City

Sunday July 7th:

MapleBrook Fury v Dakota Fusion

by Tim Abbott

WPSL Spotlight: Salvo SC v Manitou FC

Spotlight Match – Salvo 6-0 Manitou

It took less than two minutes for Salvo to earn their first corner and only a minute more before they registered their first shot on goal. With barely 5 mins on the clock, the hosts had the opportunity to go ahead but a cross in from the right was just missed by attackers in the 6 yard box.  

A minute later, Manitou had a chance to go ahead but a free kick fired in from 20 yards out, scuttered across the box and away for a goal kick. It would prove costly, as shortly after, Salvo’s high press turned over the ball in the Manitou penalty area and Khyah Harper calmly slotted it home. That would become a recurring theme of the first half. 

With Manitou struggling to break Salvo’s press, a long ball down the middle from Cameron Rintoul, was latched onto by a sprinting Khyah Harper, who outpaced the Manitou defence and tapped it home in the 21st minute. 

Two minutes later, the Manitou defence gave up the ball easily again, and Katelyn Buelke passed to Harper for a 23 min hat trick. The pattern of the game then shifted into a more tactical mode, with Salvo in complete control, slowly passing laterally and forward before unleashing shots, albeit without scoring.  

With half time approaching, another ball down the middle from Maddie Ishaug saw Khyah Harper score her fourth of the game. 

With the game out of hand, the second half started scrappily but Manitou were able to apply some pressure down their right wing, before the ball went harmlessly out.  A combination of scrambling defence and mis-timed connections meant that the game would remain in a sort of stalemate until Aaryn Gabriel dribbled into the box and smashed home from close in, from Sophia Barjesteh, for Salvo’s fifth goal. Manitou came close in the waning minutes but the final word came from Gabriel, firing a bullet header past a helpless Jordan Metz in the Manitou goal in the 89th minute.

Manitou FC's Savanna Stockness (18) kicks the ball up field during their match with Salvo SC . Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

A Salvo player addresses the ball during their match with Manitou FC. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Manitou FC's Savanna Stockness (18) kicks the ball up field during their match with Salvo SC . Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo players discuss free kick strategy during their match with Manitou FC. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo control possession against Manitou. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Manitou FC's Katelyn Hamski (21) versus Salvo SC. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Manitou FC's Sarah Strating (14) takes on a Salvo defender. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo and Manitou contest the ball. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo's Camryn Rintoul (25) moves towards a challenge with a Manitou player

Manitou FC's Katelyn Hamski (White 21) sprints towards Salvo's Becca Smith (Blue 21)

A Salvo corner versus Manitou FC. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo's Khyah Harper (34) runs down the left wing versus Manitou. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo's Katelyn Beulke (9) prepares a pass versus Manitou FC. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo's Alma Beaton (18) holds off the challenge of Manitou FC's Quinn Williams (22) . Photo by Ben Van Wyk

Salvo's Alma Beaton (18) holds off the challenge of Manitou FC's Quinn Williams (22) . Photo by Ben Van Wyk

Salvo's Khyah Harper (34) sizes up the Manitou FC goal on her way to a four goal performance. Photo by Ben Van Wyk

Manitou clear the ball against Salvo. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Manitou's Quinn Williams (22) tries to evade Salvo's Katelyn Beulke (9). Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo's Becca Smith (21) takes a throw during their match with Manitou FC. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo's Katelyn Beulke (9) tries to cross the ball past a Manitou defender. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Manitou contest possession with Salvo. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo's Khyah Harper (34) takes the ball past a Manitou defender. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo's Maddie Ishaug (6) addresses a pass at midfield as a Manitou defender looks on. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo's Becca Smith (21) tries to evade a ball from a Manitou FC player. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Manitou control the ball just outside their penalty area. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo celebrate one of their goals versus Manitou. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo's Khyah Harper (34) sprints past a Manitou challenge. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Manitou's Lauren Ahles (10) sizes up Salvo's Brooke Nygaard (29). Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Manitou control the ball at midfield. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo's Becca Smith (21) takes a throw in. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo's Gemma Jefferson (20) volleys a ball upfield. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo in possession versus Manitou. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo's Becca Smith (21) takes a throw-in. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Salvo volley the ball forward versus Manitou. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

Manitou FC huddle pre-game. Photo by Ben Van Wyk.

For the other results and upcoming schedule from the WPSL, check out Week 7’s Wrap Up – out on Sunday.

by Tim Abbott

WPSL Spotlight: Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy

Wednesday

Minnesota Thunder 8-0 Manitou FC

Doubles by Grace Estby and Caroline Bailey and single goals from Isabela Engle, Maddie Poor, Paige Peltier and Paige Kalal rocketed Thunder past Manitou.

St Croix Legacy 0-3 Salvo SC

St Croix made Salvo work in the opening hour, but a penalty kick from Khyah Harper broke the deadlock. The visitors added goals from Katelyn Beulke and Maddie Ishaug to close out a league leading fifth win, in the back and forth fight for the Northland’s playoff spot with Sioux Falls City.

Friday

Dakota Fusion FC 2-0 Manitou FC

This is Fusion’s first WPSL win since July of 2019 – a season when they accumulated the only two wins in team history. According to my research and the records of our predecessor E Pluribus Loonum, this is also their first ever clean sheet in 6 years of WPSL play. So the magnitude of this win may reverberate much further than just the 2024 standings for a club slated to launch a pro side in 2026.

As for the match on this humid Moorhead evening, Manitou travelled with just twelve players and Mandan, ND’s Sarah Burgum provided both the goals in a match otherwise dominated by shots nestling in the gloves of both goalkeepers.

A frenetic start saw Manitou’s first corner with only 2’30 on the clock, Fusion would have their first shot on goal right after and would break the deadlock after only 4 mins as Burgum tapped in a ball squared perfectly from the left wing. Manitou again put pressure on Fusion keeper Quinn Carter although after some last ditch defending a Manitou corner was only softly headed to Carter. Fusion again had their turn to attack and in the ninth minute, pressure down the left wing only resulted in a shot high and wide of Finja Poecher in the Manitou net.
A sustained period of pressure by one team would be returned with a five minute spell by the other team, although neither could find a way past the goalkeepers with mostly long-range shooting.
Switching strategies, Manitou very nearly unlocked the defence with a Route 1 ball, only to see Carter sprint off her line to clear.
As the first half drew to a close, however, the hosts applied some repeated pressure driving in from the right wing including one noteworthy blast in the 37th minute which saw Poecher deny at full stretch. Three minutes later, Burgum knifed her way through midfield and clipped a ball in on the run from the edge of the area for her, and Fusion’s, second.
A superb solo effort on the stroke of half time could have made it 3-0, but the shot was repelled by the Manitou defense.
The second half started with Burgum missing a connection from Sabrina Amezcua which would have meant her hat trick. Amezcua also deserved a statistical mark for the harrying she had given Manitou. With fifty minutes elapsed, a right wing free kick from Manitou brought their best chance of the game, ricocheting down off the crossbar but bouncing away from goal. Perhaps Fusion’s best chance of the second half came when a corner flew in from the right and somehow missed everyone on the goal line. All in all, it was a high-pressing, high-energy win for the Fusion and a week that Manitou FC will want to forget.

Rochester United SC 0-1 Mankato United SC

Avery Korsching was the difference in the 88th minute, with a breakaway for the visitors.

Saturday Spotlight Match

Joy Athletic Club 1-1 St Croix Legacy

Dare Kroeten equalized two minutes after a St Croix lead given by Lexi Huber in the 53rd minute.

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

St Croix Legacy's Jordan Jeffers (2) passes the ball in midfield against Joy Athletic on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

St Croix Legacy's Jordan Jeffers (2) passes the ball in midfield against Joy Athletic on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic's Aliviah McClinton (19) crosses the ball against St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic's Brooke Quam (12) takes a corner in their game against St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Emily Hinze surveys midfield for St Croix Legacy against Joy Athletic on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic's goalkeeper Sydney Potter clears versus St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic's goalkeeper Sydney Potter clears versus St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

St Croix Legacy's Emily Hinze (22) drives the ball forward in their match versus Joy Athletic on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

St Croix Legacy's Emily Hinze (22) drives the ball forward in their match versus Joy Athletic on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

St Croix Legacy goalkeeper Kendall Ellis clears the ball during their match with Joy Athletic on June 15th 2023 (Photo: Ben VanWyk)

Joy Athletic's Ella Bryant (10) shields the ball from St Croix Legacy's Emily Hintze (22)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic's Dare Kroeten is congratulated after scoring a goal on June 15th 2024 against St Croix Legacy

Joy Athletic's Dare Kroeten is congratulated after scoring a goal on June 15th 2024 against St Croix Legacy

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic's Ella Bryant (10) crosses the ball in from the right during their match with St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic's Ashley Bennett looks to cross the ball during their game versus St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben VanWyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

St Croix Legacy's Emily Hintze (22) passes the ball forward during their game against St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben VanWyk)

St Croix Legacy's Emily Hintze (22) passes the ball upfield during their game with Joy Athletic on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben VanWyk)

St Croix Legacy's Kathleen Praetz (0) clears the ball from her penalty area in the air during their match with Joy Athletic on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben VanWyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic (in the foreground) and St Croix Legacy (background) huddle at half time during their match on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben vanWyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic's Annabelle Abruzzo winds up for a long distance shot on the goal of St Croix Legacy during their match on June 15th 2024. (Photo: Ben vanWyk)

St Croix Legacy's Denise Hamdan (6) looks to cross from the right flank during their game with Joy Athletic (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic's Sydney Potter holds the ball during their match with St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben vanWyk)

Joy Athletic's Sydney Potter (1) clears the ball during their match with St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben vanWyk)

Joy Athletic's Sydney Potter (1) clears the ball during their match with St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben vanWyk)

Joy Athletic's Sydney Potter (1) clears the ball during their match with St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben vanWyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic's Sydney Potter (1) clears the ball during their match with St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben vanWyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

St Croix Legacy's Jordan Jeffers prepares for a throw.

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Joy Athletic v St Croix Legacy on June 15th 2024 (Photo: Ben van Wyk)

Sioux Falls City 5-0 MapleBrook Fury

City continue to apply pressure at the top of the Northern conference, with goals from five different scorers: Hailee Christensen, Jordan Tenpas, Katharina Oelschlaeger, McKenna Lehman and Mia Mullenmeister.

Sunday

Mankato United 6-0 Dakota Fusion

On a hot and humid day in Mankato, the home side rolled over Fusion. Goals were scored by Anna van Wyngarden, Avery Korsching, Jadyn Chee, Mia Deprenger, Marit Klagge and former Fusion player Maria Zanotti. Clare Longueville shut down the few chances the visitors had.

Coming Up

Tuesday

St Croix Legacy v Rochester United

Wednesday

Mankato United v Joy Athletic Club

Salvo v Manitou FC

MapleBrook Fury v Minnesota Thunder

Friday

Dakota Fusion v Sioux Falls City

Saturday

Manitou FC v Joy AC

MapleBrook Fury v St Croix Legacy

Sunday

Minnesota Thunder v Dakota Fusion

Sioux Falls City v Mankato United

Rochester United v Salvo

by Tim Abbott

WPSL Wrap Up: Week 5

Week 5 of WPSL action sees the last two clubs in the North finally make their season debut (in St Croix’s case, after two postponements). More about that match later, here’s the full recap of the week’s action.

 

Wednesday

Salvo SC 1-0 Minnesota Thunder

A lone goal by Khyah Harper, from Molly Fiedler, gave last year’s national finalists a win against the defending conference champions.

Khyah Harper (34) for Salvo is congratulated after scoring the only goal against Minnesota Thunder. Picture by Jason Morales Ortiz.

Khyah Harper (34) shoots the ball for Salvo as the Minnesota Thunder defense look on. Picture by Jason Morales Ortiz.

Players from Salvo and Minnesota Thunder compete for a ball. Picture by Jason Morales Ortiz.

Players from Salvo and Minnesota Thunder compete for a ball. Picture by Jason Morales Ortiz.

Maddie Ishaug from Salvo and Matigann Vixayvong of Minnesota Thunder compete for a ball. Picture by Jason Morales Ortiz.

Rilyn Rintoul of Minnesota Thunder and Katelyn Buelke compete for a ball. Photo by Jason Morales Ortiz.

Maddie Poor (12) of Minnesota Thunder shields the ball from a Salvo player. Photo by Jason Morales Ortiz.

Minnesota Thunder players mount an attack against Salvo. Photo by Jason Morales Ortiz.

Alma Beaton (18) shields the ball by the corner flag during Salvo's game against Mankato United.

A Mankato United player cushions the ball in the air during her game with Salvo SC. Picture by Jason Morales Ortiz.

Katelyn Beulke (9) competes for the ball for Salvo in her game against Mankato United. Photo by Jason Morales Ortiz.

Players compete in the air during Salvo's match with Mankato United. Photo : Jason Morales Ortiz.

Maddie Ishaug (6) runs with the ball during her game for Salvo vs Mankato United. Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz.

Emilly Heslin (10) winds up for a shot during Salvo's game with Mankato United. Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz.

Katherine Jones (3) for Salvo tackles a Mankato United player during the two teams game. Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz.

A Mankato United player tumbles during her game with Salvo. Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz.

Maddie Ishaug (6) for Salvo watches on as a Mankato United player takes a shot. Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz.

A Salvo shot on goal during their game with Mankato United (Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz)

Players from Salvo and Mankato United fight for possession. Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz

A player from Salvo and Mankato United's Jade Jackson (16) fight for possession. Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz

Salvo's Khyah Harper (34) and a Mankato United player sprint towards the ball. Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz

Players from Salvo and Mankato United fight for possession. Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz

Becky Smith (21) for Salvo is congratulated on her goal against Mankato United. Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz.

Salvo's Khyah Harper (34) and a Mankato United player sprint towards the ball. Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz

Salvo players celebrate a goal against Mankato United. Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz

Becca Smith (21) competes for the ball for Salvo against a Mankato United player. Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz

Salvo's Khyah Harper (34) takes on a Mankato United defender. Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz

Salvo's Maddie Ishaug (6) runs past a Mankato United defender. Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz.

Friday

Salvo 3-0 Mankato United

Khyah Harper from Riley Lijewski broke the deadlock in the 65th minute. Becca Smith from Khyah Harper in the 79th minute made it sure and there was a late own goal.

Dakota Fusion FC 0-3 St Croix Legacy

St Croix came into Fargo-Moorhead having seen two successive season openers (one at home and then one on the road) postponed. For Fusion, this is the regularly scheduled opener. They are the only two sides in the ten-team WPSL Northern Conference not to play yet this season. Legacy finished fourth in the conference standings having managed to finish the season without a single draw and a record of 5-4 in their nine games. Fusion also did not draw a single game, but accumulated a conference worst record of 0-9 and a goal difference of -43. The hosts have a new head coach, in the shape of Chris Andreasen, who was director of coaching at Red River Soccer Club before they merged with Fusion in the offseason. 

After a strong opening to the match, two goals in six minutes provided some scoreboard separation as Avery Murdzek swept home from the top of the box in the twentieth minute and then her sister Lainey tapped in off a rebound after a blast from the middle of the box. 

It would remain 2-0, as the visitors missed a number of chances to widen the margin but it would be the home side with the best chance, a penalty kick after a tangle of legs near the top of the box in the 51st minute. Unfortunately, the shot was hammered off the post and the rebound saved.  

Five minutes later, Legacy hit the crossbar with a shot and near chances for Legacy would continue to be a theme, albeit with Fusion providing some of their own. Their best chance from open play cane in the 66th minute as a Fusion free kick just outside the box culminated in a shot on target, punched wide by Kendall Ellis. 

The icing on the St Croix performance came when Lainey Murdzek tapped in, off the post and in from a Henneman cross in the 75th minute. Both clubs would force flying saves from the opposing keeper but it finished 3-0.

Sioux Falls City 2-0 Minnesota Thunder

Thunder fell further behind in the race for the conference, with Sioux Falls City getting goals from Mia Mullenmeister and Yui Fujii.

Joy Athletic 1-3 Rochester United FC

A twenty minute flurry for Rochester saw two from Kylie Miranto and one from Savannah Maley, before Lennon Folstad scored the home team’s only tally.

Sunday

Salvo SC 7-0 Dakota Fusion FC

Salvo steamrolled Fusion, with braces from Angela Gutierrez, Khyah Harper and Sophia Barjesteh and a solo goal from Alma Beaton.

Manitou FC 0-6 Sioux Falls Thunder

Keyera Harmon, Yui Fujii, Katharina Oelschlaeger, Mia Mullenmeister and a double from Kaydence Ramirez put Manitou to the sword.

St Croix Legacy 2-1 Minnesota Thunder

Lainey Murdzek and Lexi Huber put the Legacy into the lead. Thunder got a consolation in the 78th minute, the well-practised combination of Paige Kalal to Paige Peltier with the goal.

Rochester United FC 0-0 MapleBrook Fury

Here is the top of the WPSL Northern Conference standings ahead of tomorrow’s games:

The top four of the WPSL Northern Conference: Sioux Falls City 4-0-0, +17 Goal Difference. Form = 4 wins Salvo SC 4-0-0, +15 Goal Difference. Form = 4 wins. Rochester United 2-1-1, -1 Goal Difference. Form = Draw, 2 wins, 1 loss. St Croix Legacy 2-0-0, +4 Goal Difference. Form = 2 Wins
Courtesy of Women’s Premier Soccer League

Coming Up:

Tonight

Minnesota Thunder v Manitou FC

St Croix Legacy  v Salvo SC

Friday

Dakota Fusion FC v Manitou FC

Rochester United SC v Mankato United SC

Saturday

Joy Athletic Club v St Croix Legacy

Sioux Falls City v MapleBrook Fury

Sunday

Mankato United v Dakota Fusion

by Tim Abbott

WPSL Wrap Up: Week 4

Friday

Mankato United 0-3 Minnesota Thunder

A comfortable win, with goals by Kaitlyn MacBean (from Paige Peltier), Paige Kalal (from Paige Peltier) and Kalal again (from Mackenzie Jacobson). Here's the opening two goals - the second showing stunning ball control, via our friends at Equal Time Soccer and courtesy of Mankato United:

https://twitter.com/EqualTimeSoccer/status/1796703091326099735

 

Rochester United 0-7 Sioux Falls City

An absolute rout for City on the road, with a hat trick from Mia Mullenmeister and goals from Kaydence Ramirez, Katharina Oelschlaeger and Isabella Boccia Gomes de Moraes.

Manitou FC 1-1 MapleBrook Fury

Manitou got a goal from Tatum Trettel, and MapleBrook scored through Olivia Lovick.

Sunday

Joy Athletic Club 1-3 Sioux Falls City

Allison Wehrman scored for the Goats but City continued their red hot start to the season, with goals from Hailee Christensen, Mia Mullenmeister and Lourdes Moreno.

MapleBrook Fury 1-2 Mankato United

Kendall Stadden scored for the hosts but Mankato claimed all three points with goals from Ava Stanchina and Avery Korsching.

Manitou FC 0-0 Mankato United

Coming Up

Tuesday

Manitou FC v St Croix Legacy 

Wednesday

Salvo SC v Minnesota Thunder

Friday

Dakota Fusion FC v St Croix Legacy

Sioux Falls City v Minnesota Thunder

Joy Athletic v Rochester United FC

Sunday

Salvo SC v Dakota Fusion FC

St Croix Legacy v Minnesota Thunder

Rochester United FC v MapleBrook Fury

Manitou FC v Sioux Falls Thunder

by Tim Abbott

WPSL Spotlight: Minnesota Thunder v Joy Athletic Club

Women’s Premier Soccer League

Spotlight Match: Minnesota Thunder 2-0 Joy Athletic Club

Last year’s national leading goalscorer Kaitlyn MacBean returned for another Summer and led Thunder past their neighbors, with tallies in the 13th (from Rilyn Rintoul) and the 90th (from half-time sub Ashley Thirk).

WPSL Matchday Ball (Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz)

Joy Athletic's #7 Ashley Bennett jumps for a header (Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz)

Minnesota Thunder #14 Kaitlyn MacBean celebrates with teammate #11 Rilyn Rintoul (Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz)

MN Thunder's #11 Rilyn Rintoul pass inside the box which would lead to the assist for the opener vs Joy (Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz)

#14 Kaitlyn MacBean opens the score for MN Thunder in the 13th minute of the match (Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz)

MN Thunder #14 Kaitlyn MacBean celebrates with #6 Grace Pohlidahl (Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz)

MN Thunder #14 Kaitlyn MacBean challenges Joy's #18 Victoria Miller for the ball (Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz)

WPSL Matchday Ball (Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz)

Joy #0 Mallorie Benhart after a save (Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz)

Joy #5 Isabella Vannavong sets her eyes on the ball (Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz)

A MN Thunder player rises to head the ball during their match with Joy Athletic Club. (Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz)

Joy Athletic Club players compete with players from Minnesota Thunder (Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz)

A ball from Joy Athletic is blocked by a Minnesota Thunder player (Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz)

MN Thunder #14 Kaitlyn MacBean scores in the 90th minute for her 2nd of the night to secure the win over Joy (Photo: Jason Morales Ortiz)

Other Results:

Joy Athletic Club 1-5 Salvo SC

Salvo’s Khyah Harper opened the scoring within 45 seconds, completing a high press with a curled effort past Mallorie Benhart in the Joy goal.  Harper added a second in the 19th minute, driving in towards goal from the right before shooting low into the goal. In the 22nd minute, Harper netted her hat trick, driving down the left wing before cutting inside and blasting another shot past Benhart. It was 4-0 in the 25th minute when a right wing corner was recycled to Emily Heslin for Kaitlyn Beulke to hammer a shot high into the net from the back post.

In a half with plenty of midfield action, an Emily Heslin free kick on the top of the box, drilled into the bottom left corner of the Goats’ net was the only goal until the last kick. With that last kick, Ari Vargas broke the Goats scoreless stretch, chipping Ayden Gagner in the Salvo net from 30 yards out.

Coming Up:

Friday

Mankato United v Minnesota Thunder

Rochester United v Sioux Falls City

Manitou FC v MapleBrook Fury

Sunday

Joy Athletic Club v Sioux Falls City

MapleBrook Fury v Mankato United

Manitou FC v Mankato United

 

by Tim Abbott

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