A Crucial Test for the Gophers
The Minnesota women's soccer team will meet the North Dakota State Bison on August 20 at 6 p.m. Central Time on the Bison's home turf at Dacotah Field in Fargo, North Dakota. It marks the tenth encounter between the two programs, a series that has seen the Gophers dominate with a 9‑0 record. The matchup is more than a routine non‑conference game; it is the second time the teams have met at Dacotah Field, the first having taken place in 2006, and it offers both squads an early gauge of form as the season unfolds.
Minnesota arrives with a 1‑0‑1 record after opening the campaign with a 4‑0 victory over North Dakota and a 1‑1 draw against Georgia. The Gophers have outscored their opponents 5‑1 in those two contests, a performance that has lifted their confidence heading into the Fargo showdown. North Dakota State, meanwhile, sits at 0‑2‑0 in the same early stretch, having faced tough competition in the Summit League and the Big Ten.
Key contributors from Minnesota’s recent wins include senior forward Katie Krohn, who recorded a brace against North Dakota, and midfielder Kate Childers, whose header proved decisive in the same match. Defender Sarah Martin also earned her first shutout of the season in the tie with Georgia, while sophomore forward Davy Mokelke added a goal that helped seal the 4‑0 win. Their performances have set a high bar for the newcomers eager to make an impact.
Fresh Faces and Familiar Heroes
This week the roster welcomes five debutants, among them freshmen Ava Westlund and Bella Naples, as well as transfers Caroline Birdsell, Taylor Heimerl and Sarah Martin. Westlund earned a spot on the 2026 United Soccer Coaches “Forwards to Watch” list, while Birdsell, Heimerl and Martin were named to the 2026 Big Ten “Players to Watch” roster, underscoring the blend of experience and promise on the squad.
Beyond the immediate contest, the Gophers’ alumni network continues to expand internationally. Former players such as Khyah Harper now compete with Houston Dash in the NWSL, while Sophia Boman showcases her talents for Sporting Jax abroad. Their professional pursuits reflect the program’s growing influence on the global stage.