Box Score NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Visiting Whitworth bounced back from an early one goal deficit to defeat Carleton College 5-1 on Thursday in the women's soccer season-opener for both teams.
It was also the first win for new Pirate head coach Bryan Olson.
Arielle Van Peursem scored twice and three other players scored one goal apiece for Whitworth.
The Knights got on the board first when Hailey Mair intercepted a pass from Pirate goal keeper Sienna Tanner and scored from close range in the second minute of the match.
The Pirates tied the match in the 17th minute when Jenna Morris finished after a scramble for the ball in front of the Carleton net. Whitworth then took a 2-1 lead into halftime thanks to Van Peursem's first goal of the game in the 34th minute. She benefitted from miscommunication between the Carlton goalkeeper and a defender that caused a collision between the two players, giving Van Peursem a wide-open shot from just outside the penalty area.
The Pirates increased their lead to 3-1 early in the second half when Timary Mathena headed in a free kick from Kathryn Bischoff in the 49th minute.
Whitworth strung together several successful passes, leading to the fourth Pirate goal. Kelly Wucherer finished off the goal on an assist from McKenzie Hemp in the 59th minute.
The final Whitworth goal came in the 67th minute, Van Peursem's second of the match.
The Pirates outshot the Knights 13-9, including a 9-6 edge in shot on goal. Carleton goalkeeper Elaine Sundberg made four saves while allowing the five Whitworth goals. Tanner made two saves and gave up one goal in the opening half for the Bucs. Jenna Rogers played the second half for Whitworth and made three saves.
The Pirates will conclude their trip to Minnesota with a match at the College of St. Benedict on Friday.
