Gophers advance in NCAA soccer tournament

Sophia Boman’s two second-half goals sparked the Gophers to a 2-0 victory over South Dakota State on Friday in the first round of the NCAA women’s soccer tournament at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.

The Gophers (13-4-3), making their first NCAA appearance since 2018, advance to next weekend’s second round, where they will face South Carolina, a 5-0 winner over East Carolina 5-0 on Friday.

After a scoreless first half, Boman, a graduate student from Edina, scored twice in the first 10 minutes of the second.

Boman, a midfielder, opened the scoring in the 47th minute, assisted by Paige Kalal and Kate Childers. It was Kalal’s team-leading 10th assist of the season.

Eight minutes later, Boman converted a penalty kick after being fouled in the box. Boman’s goals were her sixth and seventh of the season — second on the team. Boman played all 90 minutes for the 31st consecutive game, dating to last season. She has started all 85 matches since her freshman season and played a full 90 minutes in all but nine of them.

Gophers goalkeeper Sarah Martin had four saves as she recorded her seventh shutout of the season. Martin, a sophomore from Champlin Park, has allowed just 20 goals in 20 games this season. Martin has also played every minute of the season.

The Summit League champion Jackrabbits finished 15-5-2.