GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Drake women's soccer team began the 2023 season with back-to-back shutouts after Angela Gutierrez's goal within the first two minutes proved to be enough in a 1-0 win over Green Bay (0-2-0) at Aldo Santaga Stadium on Sunday, Aug. 20. 

"The way we were able to impose our style of play today was quite impressive," head coach Lindsey Horner said. "We were very good at winning the first ball out of the air and getting the ball to the ground. It's such an advantage on a hot day like today to be able to bring so many quality experienced players off the bench."

Not even two minutes into the contest, Zoey Mahoney served the ball from midfield to Emma Nagel, who tapped the ball to Gutierrez at the right side of the 18-yard box. Gutierrez sent the ball into the lower left corner of the net for the early strike. 

"Angela (Gutierrez) is absolutely a player that can create and score goals so we are pleased that she put one away today," Horner said.

Drake (2-0-0) had a pair of great opportunities near the end of the first half. In the 39th minute, Paige Millstone poked the ball to the left side of the net where it was collected Green Bay's Mallorie Benhart. Three minutes later on a free kick, Maria Cervello put the ball on net, but it was stopped again by Benhart as the Bulldogs controlled a 1-0 lead at the half. 

Nagel in her hometown homecoming had a prime chance when Benhart was lured from goal in the 50th minute, but a duo of Phoenix defenders cleared the ball before Nagel could get set up for a proper shot. 

During the 76th minute, Zoey Pagels broke free for Green Bay and fired a shot that was prevented by Wise with a move to her right. Wise logged a clean sheet with four saves (three in the first half). 

"Amelia Crabtree was phenomenal at shutting down Green Bay's best player and Kelti (Wise) earned her first full shutout," Horner said. "This was a great trip for gaining experience and success. The games will get harder this coming week, so we have to keep our eye on getting better."

Drake women's soccer will now prepare for its home opener against South Dakota State at Drake Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m.

NOTES

• Drake women's soccer is off to its fourth 2-0 start in program history (2023, 2016, 2012 and 2003).
• Angela Gutierrez scored her first collegiate goal.
• The Bulldogs are undefeated against Green Bay improving to a 5-0-2 head-to-head mark.
• Kelti Wise recorded her first full clean sheet. 
• Wise's four saves matches her career-high.