Coach Kuhar optimistic despite defeat
HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Michigan Tech soccer team opened the 2025 season with a 1-0 loss to Minnesota Duluth on Friday at Kearly Stadium. The Bulldogs scored the game’s lone goal with 15 minutes left on the clock.
“It was a tough physical match up,” Tech coach Melissa Kuhar said. “We’re young and still trying to get the kinks out. It ended up not being the style of game we wanted to play but that’s what the game dictated.
“Overall, it’s not fun to lose, but there were some bright moments and areas for us to build on.”
Shots in the game favored the visiting Bulldogs 14-9, with eight getting through to Tech goaltender Bri Barrows. The Huskies had four shots on goal.
Barrows made a huge save 12:00 into the game when she stepped up on a breakaway opportunity by Jessica Eischens.
Tech had three corner kicks in the first half but weren’t able to get great scoring chances, kicking into the wind.
In the second, UMD’s Gwendolyn Lilly scored on a header in the box after a corner kick by Kennedy Christensen.
Tech had a couple of late chances. After a corner kick, the ball was loose in the box, and a Husky got taken down, but no infraction was called, and UMD cleared on a goal kick.
With the 10-second countdown taking place, Tech controlled play in front of the net. The Huskies tried to be patient for a good opportunity, but a shot sailed over the net as time expired.
Tech continues the opening weekend home stand on Sunday at noon against St. Cloud State. The Huskies from Minnesota had a 1-1 tie at Northern Michigan on Friday in their season-opener.
