The Gophers newcomers led the women’s soccer team a 2-0 start to with wins over both Toledo and North Dakota State at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium over the weekend.

Minnesota beat Toledo 2-1 on Friday and followed up with a 4-1 win over NDSU on Sunday.

Freshman midfielder Josee Stiever got the scoring started in the first game with the first goal of her career in the 25th minute to give the Gophers a 1-0 lead.

Toledo’s Kiersten Johnson responded with a goal in the 40th minute to knot the game at 1-1 heading into halftime.

Then three minutes into the second half, another freshman forward Simone Kolander scored the eventual game-winner for the Gophers.

Sophomore goaltender Kristen Knutsen, stymied the Toledo attack the rest of the way to preserve the win for Minnesota.

The Gophers continued their winning ways Sunday against NDSU.

Junior captain Katie Thyken gave the Gophers an early lead in the tilt, scoring in the fourth minute. 

Stiever netted her second goal of the weekend to give the Gophers a comfortable 2-0 lead at half.

Minnesota opened it up it the second half with strong play from sophomore midfielder Taylor Stainbrook. Stainbrook, a transfer from NDSU, scored twice against her former team to pace the Gophers to the 4-1 win.

Minnesota next takes the field Friday at home against Illinois State.