For the second straight week, a Minnesota player was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week. MacKenzie Misel, a midfielder from Ankeny, Iowa, notched an assist on both Gophers goals this weekend and was honored as the top freshman; forward Steph Brandt earned the same honors on Sept. 20.
Misel set up junior Shari Eckstrom’s team-leading fifth goal Thursday in 18th-ranked Minnesota’s conference opener against Iowa. The Gophers and Hawkeyes would ultimately tie 1-1 in double overtime. Then on Sunday, it was Misel’s well-placed cross against No. 20 Illinois that set up senior Katie Bethke’s game-winning header.
Minnesota continues Big Ten play Thursday when they host Wisconsin.