Ole Miss Soccer Set to Take on the Golden Gophers in Minneapolis Tonight

By Adam Brown
Sports Editor
adam.brown@hottytoddy.com.

CeCe Kizer scored a hat-trick against Western Kentucky. Photo by Joshua McCoy/Ole Miss Athletics.

Ole Miss soccer hits the road for the first time this season as they take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis tonight. Kick is set for 6 p.m. at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.

The Rebels (2-0) have opened the season off to a fast start after shutting out Louisiana and Western Kentucky in the opening weekend.

Senior CeCe Kizer had a fast start to her last season in a Rebel uniform after being tabbed the SEC Offensive Player of the Week, selected to the TopDrawerSoccer Team of the Week and named Ole Miss’ first-ever USC National Player of the Week after tying for the NCAA lead with four goals, including the second hat trick of her career.

The Golden Gophers are off to a strong start to their 2018 season, opening the regular season with a pair of road wins over Utah and Utah State following exhibition victories over Kansas State and South Dakota State in the preseason. Minnesota’s season-opener couldn’t have been more thrilling, with Patricia Ward scoring the game-winning goal with just 11 seconds to spare in the 1-0 win against the Utes. The Gophers followed with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory against the Aggies, receiving goals from Maddie Castro and McKenna Buisman. Picked to finish sixth in the Big Ten, Minnesota is receiving 100 votes in the United Soccer Coaches Poll.

Ole Miss and Minnesota have played just twice in their history, facing off in a home-and-home series in 2013 and 2014. Both matches went into extra time, with the home team coming out on top in both contests. Minnesota won 2-1 in the first period of extra time in 2013 at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium, while the Rebels scored a golden goal in the second period of overtime the following year in Oxford.

Fans can watch the action on BTN Plus.

HottyToddy.com staff report