WPSL Wrap Up: Week 4

Matchweek 4 Schedule:

Rochester United FC vs Dakota Fusion

Dakota Fusion traveled down to Rochester and secured their first ever WPSL win, with goals from local products Brookelyn Dew and Lauren Hodny. Dew opened the score in the 7th minute after neat interchanging of passes in the midfield and muscling clear of the central defender. Aline Delmedico was a handful throughout the game for the Lions but could only notch one in return -tying the game in the 28th minute when a breakaway saw a Fusion defensive mix-up. Lauren Hodny gave Fusion the lead once more in the 50th after a scything pass from midfield through the United defense. The visitors were calm in possession despite the paucity of their record in two seasons of play and clinically finished their two shots on target, whereas Rochester will wonder where their composure went in front of goal.

Mankato United SC vs Fire SC 98

Fire 98 headed down to North Mankato to take on Mankato United and a few former Fire 98 players as well. Neither club had any wins coming into their second match of the season but that would not deter them from attempting to get their first W. Unfortunately that’s not how the night worked out as neither Fire 98 or Mankato United managed to score throughout the entire 90 minutes of play.

Fire SC 98 vs Salvo SC

Fire 98 hosted their second game of the season and would play their second game of the weekend against Twin Cities rival Salvo SC. After a few close matches for Salvo this game wouldn't stay close for long. Ansley Atkinson opened the scoring for Salvo in only the 13th minute. Just 15 minutes later Meredith Haakenson would add on the second goal of the match before scoring a brace in the 40th minute.

A 3-0 advantage wasn't big enough for Salvo as Rafferty Kugler scored goal number four on Fire 98 in the 59th minute. After a quiet next 30 minutes Olivia Bruce would cap off a 5-0 win with a 90th minute goal for Salvo SC. With the win Salvo jumped Maplebrook Fury for the top spot in the WPSL North while also handing Fire 98 their biggest loss in club history.

Ashle Norling/E Pluribus Loonum

Matchweek 5 Schedule*:

Maplebrook Fury vs Fire SC 98

Fury has already hit the halfway point of their 2019 season and currently sit in 2nd place behind Salvo in the WPSL North standings. Fire 98 is coming off a 5-0 loss to Conference leading Salvo SC the previous week and look to turn things around as they also get close to their halfway point of the 10 game schedule. Maplebrook and Fire 98 have faced each other once already in St. Paul where Fury took a 2-0 win. Fire desperately need to win the second match against Maplebrook when they head to Maple Grove on Friday night.

Salvo SC vs Rochester United FC

North leading Salvo SC plays host to the first game of a back to back series against Rochester United FC. With Salvo only playing one game this week, as does second place Maplebrook a win will absolutely keep them on top. The Lions will have their work cut out for them as they look to get their first win against a Salvo club with a dangerous attack. One that’s seen 8 different players score and 9 with assists. Salvo’s Makenzie Langdok will be the player to watch as she has 5 goals and three assists in 5 matches with a brace in one game and a Hat Trick in another.

Mankato United SC vs Dakota Fusion FC

Following their win last week in Rochester, Fusion suddenly find themselves looking down on their opponents in the standings are will hope to continue the momentum as they stay on the road. Mankato will be looking to sharpen their finishing, prevent another shutout and follow Fusion in securing their first win in club history.

Fire SC 98 vs Dakota Fusion FC

Fire have looked a shadow of their form from last season so far, but they face a club which they have memories of recent success against. Fusion will be on the second game of a back-to-back road trip and could be stretched thin, even when league rules allow re-entry and unlimited substitution.

*For exact kickoff times, locations, and tickets, visit the websites of the home club, which can be found by clicking the italicized team.