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D1 Minnesotans 2024 Wrap Up: Gagne, Dahlien and Harper sign NWSL deals, UNC duo wins it all, Gophers make a long awaited tourney run, Izzy Engle and Kaitlyn MacBean earn All American honors, and we feature shows and stat leaders from this fall!

1/17/2025

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Mark Privratsky
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It feels like it's as good a time as any to be a MN womens soccer fan right now. We've got a thriving youth and semi pro culture, more and more Minnesotans going pro, and generally just so many storylines to follow. The stepping stone for taking our players from their potential and promise at the youth level to bigger and better things in the pros has historically been the college game, and this year showed that in spades. As a result of both individual player improvement, and the improvement of the programs we see Minnesotans contributing to, we saw more Minnesotans making a difference in the NCAA Tournament than at any time in recent memory. Clare Gagne and Maddie Dahlien played big parts in UNC winning another NCAA Title and quickly earned NWSL contracts with the KC Current and Seattle Reign. Khyah Harper paced a Gopher attack that ran all the way to the Sweet 16, and she too earned an NWSL deal with Gotham as result. Meanwhile Izzy Engle scored 19 goals as a Freshman to be named 2nd Team All American along with another goal scorer Kaitlyn MacBean, who earned 4th team honors after continuing her meteoric production at Penn State. We'll dig into some of the 2024 stat leaders from our year long player tracking, some of the other award winners from this past year and some of the shows that highlighted the standout Minnesotans this past year. 

Clare Gagne, Maddie Dahlien, Kyhah Harper all sign with NWSL teams

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It was a pleasant surprise to Equal Time followers all around last week when we saw 3 Minnesotans sign guaranteed deals in the NWSL following the 2024 college season. Minnesota is not short on pros in the women's game overall but this was something special. While we regularly check in with pros from abroad, and we've been following the recent USL Super League signings like Jenny Vetter and Katie Duong, the NWSL has been an elusive level for MN players to land.

This winter, after a hugely exciting NCAA Tournament, it was clear that our local players did not go unnoticed. Clare Gagne transferred to the historic UNC program as a grad player from Brown, where she has stood out as the top class keeper in the Ivy. She took her one year chance at UNC and turned it into a Defensive Player of the Year award, and a contract with KC Current to play the worlds first womens soccer purpose built stadium. Her teammate Maddie Dahlien had to miss chunks of the season to play for the US U-20 World Cup squad, and no matter where she played she efficiently created goals. Obviously the Seattle Reign took note and gave her an offer she could not refuse. Khyah Harper of Minnesota was scoring goals like crazy all year, and the Gophers clicked into place around her, allowing her to scoring 17 goals and earn some All American honors along the way to signing with Gotham FC off a serendipitous senior year. And a shout out to the do-it-all Gopher midfielder Sophia Boman who has a camp invite to KC with a chance to expand the Minnesotan NWSL presence, as well. 

Interview with Clare Gagne of Brown, UNC, and now KC Current


Gophers make the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2010

When we saw Minnesota in the NCAA Tournament this fall, it had been years in the making for Gopher fans, players and coaches (& "journalists"). The Gophs had big wins over ranked squads Ohio State and Iowa, they played their core group of 90/min'ers more than anyone in the country, and they blended a lot of experience with a few hugely impressive younger players like Ashley Thurk and Sarah Martin. Once in the Tourney, the Gophers took out SDSU, beat a ranked South Carolina team, and lost to eventual National Champion UNC in the Sweet 16. Coach Erin Chastain should feel proud to see a run like this after the years building the program. The success of the team propelled Khyah Harper to an NWSL deal with Gotham, as well as the preseason camp invite for Captain Sophia Boman to KC Current. We'll have a deeper Gopher year end piece from Matt to full encapsulate the 2024 season later this month. 
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Interview with Khyah Harper of the Gophers and now Gotham FC


All America and Conference Award Winners

Izzy Engle - Notre Dame, All American 2nd Team, ACC Freshman of the Year, ACC 1st Team

Megan Plaschko - TCU, Big 12 2nd Team

Khyah Harper - Minnesota, All American 2nd Team, BIG Fwd of the Year, BIG First Team
Sophia Boman - Minnesota, BIG 1st Team
Paige Kalal - Minnesota, BIG 2nd Team
Ashley Thurk - Minnesota, BIG Freshman Team
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Kaitlyn MacBean - Penn State, All American 4th Team, BIG First Team

​Bayliss Flynn - Montana, Big Sky 1st Team, Big Sky Keeper of the Year
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​Lauren Heinsch - UNI, Missouri Valley 1st Team
Olivia Knoepfle - UNI, Missouri Valley 2nd Team
Olivia Bohl - UNI, Missouri Valley 2nd Team

​Angela Gutierez - Drake, Missouri Valley 3rd Team

Katelyn Beulke - SDSU, Summit 2nd Team
Lauren Eckerle - SDSU, Summit Honorable Mention
Avery Murdzek - SDSU, Summit Honorable Mention

Olivia Watson - NDSU, Summit 2nd Team
Lexi Huber​ - St Thomas, Summit Honorable Mention

Interview with 2024 National Save Percentage Leader
​Bayliss Flynn of Montana and MN Aurora


Player Stat Leaders 2024

Thanks to your help, we have tracked 124 Minnesota players in D1 this year, with all of our data being public! Feel free to dig in to the Full 2024 D1 MN Player Tracker to find hidden performers of your own, or to spot a gap in our coverage. If you have suggestions for ways to improve the tracker next year, we are all ears! We've highlighted some of the core category leaders here, but theres plenty more to see in the full google sheet!
MINUTES PER GAME
Bayliss Flynn - Montana - 91.43
Grace Pohlidal - Army - 90.63
Sophia Boman - Minnesota - 90
Sarah Martin - Minnesota - 90
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GOALS AGAINST AVERAGE (above 500 minutes)
Bayliss Flynn - Montana - .35 (.925 SV%)
Emma Knack - SDSU - .74 (.791 SV%)
Clare Gagne - UNC - .83 (.771 SV%)
Megan Plashcko - TCU - .86 (.759 SV%)

G+A PER 90 (above 500 minutes)
Izzy Engle - Notre Dame - 1.247 (19g, 1a)
Khyah Harper - Minnesota - 1.129 (16g, 6a)
Paige Peltier - Boston College - 1.040 (6g, 4a)
Kaitlyn MacBean - Penn State - .985 (16g, 2a)
Berit Parten - Iowa - .832 (7g, 3a)
Katelyn Beulke - SDSU - .817 (9g, 3a)
Olivia Knoepfle - UNI - .799 (6g, 4a)
Paige Kalal - Minnesota - .608 (2g, 9a)
Maya Hansen - Iowa - .606 (5g, 1a)

Interview with Izzy Engle of Notre Dame and USYNT


Thank you for your support!

As we wrap a busy 2024 D1 college season and take a bit of a slow down into winter, we'd like to thank all of you who donate to our coverage. Thank you to all of the players and coaches who help us tell stories around the game that we all love. We could not do this without you! Whether it's sharing our videos, subscribing to YouTube and following us on Insta, all of your support helps us grow the game together. 

If you appreciate our work, share it on social media, subscribe to us on YouTube, or become a supporter on Patreon for as little as $2/month! Thank you so much for your support!
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D1 Minnesotans in the NCAA Tournament: 36 players from 12 programs are in the big dance! Minnesota hosts Summit Champs South Dakota State this Friday in St Paul, while we follow MNs on Penn State, TCU, Notre Dame, UNC, Iowa, Wake, Wisconsin and others

11/14/2024

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Author: Mark Privratsky
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Gopher Soccer Photo: Brad Rempel
The 64 team field is set for the 2024 D1 Womens Soccer Tournament, and we've got as many good Minnesota angles as ever, with 36 players across 12 different teams. For starters, the Gophers are back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in years, and even tough they dropped a tough 1-0 loss to Penn State in the opener of the Big Ten Tourney, they are set to host a game vs local Summit League power South Dakota State, who have a handful of impactful Minnesotans, per usual. We've got nation leading goal scorers like Khyah Harper (Minnesota), Izzy Engle (Notre Dame), and Kaitlyn MacBean (Penn State), along with other scary forwards like Perit Parten and Maya Hansen at Iowa. Local duo Maddie Dahlien and Clare Gagne are playing super sub and reliable keeper for the contending Tarheels, Megan Plaschko is taking one last ride with an impressive TCU squad, and the Westund sisters are coming off a run with Cal Baptist to take the WAC tournament automatic bid. We also have the tournament tested Wisconsin squad featuring Maddie Ishaug, Dara Andringa, Maddie Poor, Kenzie Jacobson and Kiya Gilliand, along with players across another handful of teams. As the Tournament kicks off Friday, November 15, we are here to provide your watch schedule and local players to track for all of the early matchups. If you want to look back on this years player performance,  dig into our FULL PLAYER TRACKER to catch up on all your MN D1 player stats up until this point. 

Gophers host South Dakota State in NCAA opener

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Summit League Champions SDSU
The South Dakota State Jackrabbits watched as their rivals NDSU springboarded them to the regular season Summit League title this year. No worries, this team has seen postseason pressure before, and this year was no easier. After needing OT to beat South Dakota 2-1 in the Summit opening round, they dispatched yet another rival in Denver, before locking up another NCAA trip with a 3-1 win over Oral Roberts in the final. Their reward? A matchup with local big dogs Minnesota who happen to be having one of their best seasons in nearly a decade. You know what? SDSU probably wouldn't have it any other way. The Gophers will look to hold off the upset minded Jackrabbits as they host an NCAA Tournament game for the first time since 2016. You can watch this highly anticipated game on ESPN+, Friday, Nov 15 at 6pm. Equal Time Founder Matt Privratsky will be calling the game as he has all year. Get to Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium early, it is sure to sell out!

Full MNs in the NCAA Tournament Schedule

The opening weekend will feature 36 Minnesotans on 12 teams over two days, but at least they are all streamed at the same place, ESPN+. We will list the players on each team who come from Minnesota, to see all of their detailed stats, check out our full player stat tracker below. The teams that advance out of their first round matchups will play next weekend on Friday, November 22. 
Friday, Nov 15, ESPN+
#2 North Carolina vs South Carolina Upstate
Kickoff: 5pm
MN Players (UNC): Clare Gagne, Maddie Dahlien


Friday, Nov 15, ESPN+
#2 Wake Forest vs Morehead State
Kickoff: 5pm
MN Players: Payton Cahill (Wake Forest)

Friday, Nov 15, ESPN+
#6 Minnesota vs South Dakota State
Kickoff: 5pm
MN Players (Gophers): Sophia Boman, Jelena Zbilic, Alma Beaton, Taylor Heimerl, Avery Petty, Ashley Thurk, Sarah Martin, Khyah Harper, Paige Kalal, Kendall Stradden, Davy Mokelke, Grace Estby, Grace Fogarty,Madeline Raymond

MN Players (SDSU): Lauren Eckerle, Katharine Jones, Emma Knack, Katelyn Beulke, Ava Grate

​Friday, Nov 15, ESPN+
#5 Kentucky vs West Virgina
Kickoff: 6pm
MN Players: Avery Lampe (Kentucky)
Friday, Nov 15, ESPN+
#4 Notre Dame vs Milwaukee
Kickoff: 6pm
MN Players: Izzy Engle (Notre Dame), Ashlyn Derosier (Milwaukee)


Friday, Nov 15, ESPN+
#5 Wisconsin vs Maine
Kickoff: 7pm
MN Players (Wisconsin): Maddie Ishaug, Dara Andringa, Maddie Poor, Kenzie Jacobson, Kiya Gilliand)

Friday, Nov 15, ESPN+
#5 TCU vs Stephen F Austin
Kickoff: 7pm
MN Players (TCU): Megan Plaschko 


​Friday, Nov 15, ESPN+
#2 UCLA vs Cal Baptist
​Kickoff: 8pm
MN Players (Cal Baptist): Ava Westlund, Anya Westlund


Friday, Nov 15, ESPN+
​#3 Iowa vs Missouri St.
Kickoff: 6pm
MN Players (Iowa): Maya Hansen, Berit Parten

Saturday, Nov 16, ESPN+
#4 Penn State vs Stony Brook
Kickoff: 5pm
MN Players (Penn State): Kaitlyn MacBean
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WAC Champions Cal Baptist

MN D1 Player Tracker

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While we've got an amazing 35 players in the NCAA Tournament from Minnesota, theres over 120 that have played this year, and plenty of good players who didn't make the big dance. Check out our UPDATED PLAYER TRACKER, and stay tuned for some stat based recognition once postseason play is done. 
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Big 12 Regular Season Champs TCU featuring Megan Plaschko


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D1 Minnesotans: Gophers clinch home Big Ten postseason spot and host BIG tourney, NDSU and SDSU are fighting for hosting rights in the Summit, we dig into the NCAA at large potential for MN players and highlight our 124+ Player Tracker

10/23/2024

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Authors: Mark Privratsky & Matt Privratsky
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Caroline Birdsell and Elizabeth Overberg (Photo: Sage Zipeto)

Fall is officially here! We can wear layers, gorgeous leaves are changing color and most importantly, college soccer playoffs are upon us. For D1 Minnesotans, we have a year with a lot of postseason potential -- with multiple teams still in the chase for postseason opportunities. The Gophers are back in the Big Ten Tournament after missing out last year, with a real chance to be in the NCAAs (maybe even host...?). North Dakota State has taken it a level up this year and are fighting with their fierce rivals SDSU for the rights to bypass the opening round of the Summit League Tournament and host the semis and finals. We've got huge players on huge teams like #2 Wake Forest, #4 UNC, #7 Notre Dame, #11 Iowa and #15 Penn State who know they're in the NCAA Tourney, and we've got players on teams that are good but likely need to win their tournament like Montana, Army, or the Summit League squads. With conference tournaments kicking off next week, including the Big Ten Tournament in Saint Paul, check out some sources postseason predictions and catch up on our 124 (and counting) public player tracker for 2024. 

Who's in the NCAA Tournament already?

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Clare Gagne (Photo: UNC)
While most teams needs to rely on winning their conference tournament to get to the NCAA's, a good number get picked based on an "at large" status, which can be a bit mysterious sometimes. This year, as always, we are relying on some other independent soccer journalists, along with the traditional RPI from the NCAA, to predict a National Tournament field that is becoming clearer and clearer. Specifically, I'm trusting Chris Henderson, who you should be following on Twitter already (@chris_awk), who is constantly updating his modeled predictions for the Tourney. He's one of the few people who do data work in womens soccer that we are aware of! We've also utilized the work of Christopher Thomas (@CPThomas2611 on Twitter) who similarly models postseason at large predictions, something that has been helpful for us in having real conversations about postseason potential. Check them out for a steady stream of data work in the game!

I listed Chris Hendersons most recent bracket prediction from this week below. In the ACC, UNC (Clare Gagne, Maddie Dahlien), Wake Forest (Payton Cahill), and Notre Dame (Izzy Engle) look safe. In the BI 12, TCU (former Gopher Megan Plaschko) are in. The Big Ten added some successful programs from the Pac 12 (USC and UCLA are in 1st and 2nd as of now) and the boost in strength of schedule league wide looks to have paid off, with a projected 10 bids coming from the new super league to top the nation. Minnesota is predicted to be making a return after a half decade, with a chance to improve their standing with a regular season closer versus Iowa. Wisconsin is looking to be in with their squad of MNs (Ishaug, Andringa, Poor, Jacobson, Gilliand), along with Iowa (Berit Parten, Maya Hansen) and Penn State (Kaitlyn MacBean).

Other squads with a MN presence but likely in need of a conference tournament win include Montana (Bayliss Flynn), the entire Summit League race, Milwaukee (Ashlyn Derosier),  and handful of others with an outside shot. Partial credit to FGCU (Gopher alum Alli Kempainen on staff), Utah State (MN Aurora FC legend Addy Symmonds), FIU (Cat and Eli Rapp), and a super deep cut for Utah Valley and a former Gopher from waaaaay back in 2019 Manthy Brady. Army (the Pohlidal sisters, Hecht, and Wamre) still with a real conference tournament path as well -- even if they're no longer favored on paper.  
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Gophers Clinch Big Ten Conference Spot, look to NCAA's

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Paige Kalal (Photo: Kelly Hagenson, U of M)
It's been a few years but the Golden Gophers of MN are locked in the Big Ten Tournament with a game against Iowa still to come this Sunday prior to the Big Ten Tournament at ELR next week. The expansion of the BIG to 18, including newcomers USC (1st), UCLA (2nd), Washington (6th) and Oregon, the competition level ratcheted up, but with it came a new 10 team (used to be 8) conference tournament. Minnesota has seized on that opportunity and now play a very good Iowa squad this Sunday (1pm, BTN+) with a fighting chance at a top 6 seed and first round bye (Oregon has to upset Washington, MN has to win, and Ohio State and Penn State need to tie...). Iowa has been having a very strong year and will be a big test ahead of postseason play. While the Gophers are in a good place when it comes to at large selection, you can bet they want to both build momentum and potentially earn themselves an easier postseason road ahead (maybe even a first round seeded home matchup in the NCAAs...). Of note for the Gophers is the amount of players who play 90 minutes a game, including locals Sophia Boman, Sarah Martin, Jelena Zbilic, Ashley Thurk and Khyah Harper, all pretty much going to the distance as part of the depended-upon core for Coach Erin Chastain. 

Big Ten Tournament in Saint Paul Oct 31st - Nov 2nd

The Big Ten holding the conference tournament in Minnesota has been known internally well before the Gophers themselves qualified, but their qualification is certainly a nice benefit to the expected fan attendance for next weekend at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. The bottom four seeds contest the opening "play in" round on Thursday evening, with the Quarterfinals taking place Saturday and Sunday. If you haven't attended a game at ELR, this is a wonderful chance for you!  We are sure to see plenty of Gopher fans, along with families and friends of all the Minnesotans who play in the Big Ten. Iowa, Wisconsin, and Penn State (and their Minnesotan players) will certainly have large cheering sections.
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Player Tracker

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​Catch up on our nationwide tracking of Minnesotans playing D1 soccer. This week highlighted by the best assisters from the Gopher state, lead by Paige Kalal with 9, her teammate Khyah Harrper and Katharine Jones of SDSU. Check out our player tracker here, and let us know if you have any feedback!

Catch up on our weekly Equal Time episodes!
This week we had Kaitlyn MacBean of Penn State

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​ We talk about her lights out form in the NCAA's last year, working through injuries, her playing style, impressive academics and more!




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