Staff Directory 6134712

Jerry Zgoda

Reporter | Minnesota United FC
Phone: 612-673-7197

Jerry Zgoda covers Minnesota United FC and Major League Soccer for the Minnesota Star Tribune.


Zgoda has been a Minnesota Star Tribune sportswriter so long, his first beat directly out of college was covering the North Stars. In nearly 30 years, he has covered the NHL, the Wolves and the NBA twice (he missed the first Kevin Garnett era, which says something about his sense of timing), Gophers and NCAA athletics, the radio/TV beat, major-championship golf and outdoor recreation.
Recent content from Jerry Zgoda
The Wisconsin women's hockey team gathers around the national championship trophy after the Badgers edged Ohio State 4-3 in overtime at Ridder Arena o

Late penalty shot, overtime goal lift Wisconsin over Ohio State for women's hockey national title

Kirsten Simms scored the tying goal with 18.9 seconds left after officials awarded the Badgers a penalty shot, then she scored again early in OT.
Ohio State head coach Nadine Muzerall studies the action during Friday's Frozen Four semifinal victory over Cornell.

A Gophers great is back again, in Minnesota and in the NCAA Women's Frozen Four final

Nadine Muzerall, the leading goal scorer in U history, will coach Ohio State in the championship game for the fourth consecutive time.
Minnesota forward Abbey Murphy (18) tries to a shot behind her back against Wisconsin goalkeeper Ava McNaughton (30) and defenseman Ava Murphy (9) in

Gophers sink again against Badgers, this time in the Women's Frozen Four semifinals

Wisconsin defeated Minnesota for the sixth time this season, the 6-2 result in line with most of the others.
Gophers senior Peyton Hemp gets a shot off against Wisconsin's Claire Enright when the teams met Oct. 19 at Ridder Arena.

Now or never: Gophers hope to finally break through vs. Wisconsin at Women's Frozen Four

Minnesota is 0-5 against the Badgers, but that frustration would fade quickly with a win Friday in the NCAA semifinals.
Pacers forward Obi Toppin falls to the floor as he and the Wolves' Nickeil Alexander-Walker (with headband) and Anthony Edwards watch Toppin's three-p

Wolves lose to Pacers 132-130 in OT, ending eight-game winning streak

The Wolves lost for the first time in March to an Indiana team playing without starters Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith.
The Gophers' Abbey Murphy, left, and Colgate's Casey Borgiel get tangled up as they crash toward the net in the second period Saturday.

Gophers women's hockey team sinks Colgate, wins spot in Frozen Four right at home

Minnesota will play top seed Wisconsin in the NCAA semifinals in Ridder Arena.
Gophers captain Abbey Murphy is a top-10 Patty Kazmaier Award finalist and has scored 101 career goals.

Gophers women's hockey came so close to Frozen Four last year. Now, Colgate stands in their way.

With 101-career goal scorer Murphy leading the charge, the Gophers are determined to produce a better NCAA quarterfinal outcome.
St Thomas guard Drake Dobbs (11) puts up a layup against Nebraska Omaha during the first half of the Summit League championship game Sunday night in S

St. Thomas falls to Omaha in Summit League final that didn't come with NCAA invite

The Tommies, in their final year of probation after moving up from Division III to D-I, aren't eligible for the postseason until 2026.
Gophers captain Ella Huber races down the ice in her team's WCHA semifinal victory over Ohio State on Friday in Duluth.

Gophers women's hockey team to face Colgate in NCAA quarterfinals

The 11-team NCAA women's hockey tournament bracket was unveiled Sunday, and the Gophers will host one of four regionals.
Gophers captain Abbey Murphy on Thursday was named a top-10 finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award, given to the nation's top women's hockey player.

Gophers and Minnesota Duluth gear up for WCHA Final Faceoff

Minnesota will take on Ohio State again, and UMD faces No. 1 Wisconsin on Friday at Amsoil Arena.
Donte DiVincenzo of the Timberwolves attempts a shot while defended by Jared Butler (12) of the 76ers in the second quarter.

Timberwolves cruise against 76ers, as expected and therefore not as usual

Anthony Edwards stopped scoring at halftime, but his teammates kept going and avoided the pitfall of losing to a team they should beat.
Jhonattan Vegas celebrates after winning the 3M Open by one stroke on July 28, 2024 at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine.

3M extends title sponsorship of PGA Tour event in Blaine through 2030

The 3M Open has been an annual event on the July calendar at TPC Twin Cities since 2019.
Gophers defender Maggie Nicholson, right, battled for he puck against Wisconsin earlier this season on Oct. 18 at Ridder Arena.

Gophers hope they are beginning their march toward the NCAA Women's Frozen Four

The Gophers women's hockey team finished the regular season 25-9-1. Next is the WCHA playoffs and maybe the Frozen Four.
Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards shakes off Thunder guard Cason Wallace in the second quarter Sunday night at Target Center. Edwards had 29 points,

Wolves fall 130-123 to West-leading Thunder, who get hot in fourth quarter from deep

Oklahoma City used a string of three-pointers in the final quarter to pull ahead for good Sunday night and avenge a Feb. 13 loss at Minnesota.
Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) tries to get a shot off while defended by Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the second quarter Sunday night at Ta

Thunder's Holmgren has been able to spend plenty of time in his hometown lately

Minneapolis native Chet Holmgren stayed for a long weekend in Minnesota after Oklahoma City lost to the Wolves before the All-Star break, and he was back this weekend with the Thunder.
St. Thomas forward Jordyn Lamker, left, and guard Faith Feuerbach (5) defend Iowa State's Arianna Jackson (2) on Nov. 14, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.

St. Thomas men's basketball has the spotlight, but the women are surging, too

"We are a way different team than we were three weeks ago," St. Thomas senior guard Jade Hill said.
St. Thomas guard Ben Oosterbaan finds a lane between Omaha's Marquel Sutton and Kamryn Thomas (22) in the first half Saturday night at Schoenecker Are

St. Thomas takes over first place in Summit League with men's basketball victory over Omaha

The Tommies, who got 23 points from Drake Dobbs, protected a lead they took midway through the first half.
St. Thomas guard Ben Nau celebrates in the final seconds of a 79-62 victory over North Dakota State at Schoenecker Arena on Feb. 2.

Shooting guard saw the vision for St. Thomas basketball. Now he preaches it himself.

Tommies coach Johnny Tauer recruited Ben Nau when the program was just starting to make the transition from Division III to Division I.
Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels grabs a rebound against Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe. McDaniels scored 30 points in the Wolves' victory.

Timberwolves, lacking Edwards among others, roar past Trail Blazers

A huge run in the final minutes settled it as their star sat out because of a sore hip and Rob Dillingham stood in for injured Mike Conley at the point.
Anthony Edwards will miss Saturday's game vs. Portland.

Edwards, Conley will miss Timberwolves' game Saturday night vs. Portland

Edwards has a sore right hip, and Conley has a sprained finger.
Gophers senior catcher Taylor Krapf has hit 25 home runs over the past two seasons.

Gophers softball aims for NCAA tournament, as new season begins Friday in Tempe, Ariz.

The Gophers need to replace Jess Oakland, who transferred to Duke. They'll be counting on Sydney Schwartz and Taylor Krapf.
The Timberwolves' Jaden McDaniels works around the Wizards' Bilal Coulibaly during the first half.

Edwards turns up ill, and Wolves flop against the NBA's worst team

The Wolves ended a five-game streak, and the Wizards ended a 16-game skid and won for only the seventh time this season.
The Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards, in a crowd of Atlanta Hawks earlier this season, will miss Saturday's game against Washington.

Edwards will miss Timberwolves game Saturday vs. Wizards because of illness

Julius Randle remains out because of a groin injury that will cost him "more than a few days," but Mike Conley is back.
Bethany Brausen had been the interim coach for the St. Thomas women's hockey team since November. The team is coming off a sweep of fourth-ranked Minn

New St. Thomas women's hockey coach Brausen has Roseville and Gophers roots

Bethany Brausen learned the game from Roseville legend Winny Brodt, along with Gophers women's hockey coach Brad Frost.
Memphis guard Ja Morant celebrates after hitting the game-winning shot Saturday at Target Center.

Wolves give Grizzlies too many chances, and the final one sinks them

Donte DiVincenzo busted loose for 27 points, but Memphis pushed back late and won 127-125 on Ja Morant's heroics.
Khyah Harper (34) joins the pros after scoring 17 goals with six assists as a senior with the Gophers.

Former Gophers soccer star Harper signs NWSL deal

Khyah Harper, who scored 17 goals for the Gophers as a senior, has joined NJ/NY Gotham FC, one of the top teams in the NWSL.
Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards goes up to shoot as Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the first half Monday at Target Center.

Edwards scores 37 points to lead Wolves past Clippers

Donte DiVincenzo replaced Mike Conley in the starting lineup, and the Wolves snapped a three-game skid.
Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo pushes the ball down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Dec. 31.

Wolves make lineup change, with DiVincenzo starting in place of Conley

Two days after Timberwolves coach Chris Finch defended keeping the same starting five, he changed his lineup against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night at Target Center.
New York Sirens forward Jessie Eldridge (9) skates up the ice, evading the defense of Minnesota Frost's Brooke Bryant (17) on Saturday at Xcel Energy

Injuries, illness and suspension plague Frost in shutout loss to Sirens

The Frost fell behind early Saturday afternoon and could not recover against New York.
Minnesota Frost forward Britta Curl-Salemme (77) scores the game-winning overtime goal against Boston Fleet goalie Aerin Frankel (31) on Thursday at X

First-place Minnesota Frost back home vs. New York Sirens

The Minnesota Frost are coming off an overtime victory against the Boston Fleet.
Gophers forward Oliver Moore (11) goes after a rebound while being defended by Michigan State defenseman Matt Basgall (9) and goaltender Trey Augustin

Gophers men's hockey gets Pahlsson back for Mercyhurst series

Gophers forwards Oliver Moore and Brodie Ziemer remain with Team USA at the World Junior championships.
Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo heads upcourt after making a three-point shot in the fourth quarter Sunday. He scored a team-high 26 points.

Timberwolves handle Spurs, showing off the spoils of the KAT trade

A problem with the court led to a tipoff delay, and Minnesota trailed by 15 points early, before Donte DiVincenzo led a rally.
Golden State guard Stephen Curry shouts his satisfaction in the fourth quarter Saturday at Target Center.

Timberwolves make it a game, until Curry makes it a loss

Anthony Edwards was left frustrated by the officiating after the Wolves surged back only to lose when Golden State's star went on a shooting tear.
Taylor Heise, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 PWHL draft, is back to help the Minnesota Frost defend their PWHL championship.

Five Minnesota Frost players to watch this season

The Minnesota Frost have a loaded roster with high-end goal scorers, strong defenders and two Olympic goaltenders. Here's a sampling:
Clippers guard Kris Dunn stops a ball from going out of bounds in front of Timberwolves forward Julius Randle in the second quarter Friday.

Timberwolves claw back against Clippers, end losing streak at four games

The frenzied final seconds go Minnesota's way, producing a victory in the aftermath of Anthony Edwards' candid comments about the team.
Minnesota Frost general manager Melissa Caruso, left, and head coach Ken Klee speak with reporters on Nov. 14 at Tria Rink.

Minnesota Frost, aka 'Team Turmoil,' can't wait for PWHL Season Two

After winning the first PWHL championship, Minnesota fired its GM and made a controversial draft pick. But players relished their Walter Cup celebrations, and now everyone's ready for Season Two.
Gophers forward Brody Lamb (17), shown earlier in the season against Bemidji State, had a knee-to-knee collision last Friday at Notre Dame that wasn't

Gophers' top scorer Lamb avoids long-term injury from knee-to-knee collision

Gophers men's hockey coach Bob Motzko said, "We're very fortunate there's no ligament damage," for Brody Lamb, who collided with Notre Dame's Justin Janicke last Friday.
Gophers junior Mara Braun cheers on teammates while wearing a walking boot during Wednesday's victory over Eastern Illinois at Williams Arena.

Gophers standout Braun out indefinitely with broken foot bone again

Junior Mara Braun rebroke the same bone in her foot as last season, so the 6-0 Gophers will be without their leading scorer and top overall player.
Minnesota Frost defender Claire Thompson (42) was the third overall pick in the PWHL draft.

Hockey now, medical school later: Frost's Thompson has a plan

The Minnesota Frost chose Claire Thompson with the third overall pick in the PWHL draft, knowing they were getting a member of the Canadian national team and a future doctor.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) drives past Toronto's Scottie Barnes during first half of Thursday's game in Toronto.

Timberwolves' failure north of border continues with loss to Raptors

The Wolves fell apart in the fourth quarter and have not won in Toronto in two decades.
The Gophers' Mason Nevers (18) takes a shot against Bemidji State on Nov. 14 at 3M Arena at Mariucci.

 

    ] AARON LAVINSKY • aaron.lavinsky@star

Gophers men's hockey heads back on road for series at Notre Dame

The No. Gophers had a nine-game winning streak snapped last Saturday at Bemidji State and and will look to bounce back against a struggling Notre Dame team.
Forward Julius Randle reacts after his three-point shot beat the buzzer and lifted the Wolves over the Suns on Sunday.

Wolves sink Suns on Randle's last-second three-pointer

After trailing from the first basket to the final 69 ticks, the Timberwolves defeated a Phoenix team that lacked key players but had Devin Booker, who scored 44 points.
Frost forward Kelly Pannek, left, and forward Claire Butorac compete for the puck during practice Thursday at Tria Rink.

Minnesota's PWHL champion begins camp amid change, with name: Frost

The Minnesota Frost has a larger staff than did PWHL Minnesota, plus newly branded gear, a longer season and, of course, the Walter Cup trophy.
Gophers center Aaron Huglen, right, is part of a deep lineup that allows coach Bob Motzko to roll four lines.

Gophers men's hockey takes eight-game winning streak into Bemidji State series

The Gophers have climbed to No. 3 nationally after Jimmy Snuggerud led them to a sweep last weekend at Wisconsin.
Lydia Grote spikes Saturday against Oregon at Maturi Pavilion.

Challenged further by new volleyball teams in expanded Big Ten, Gophers fall to Oregon

Minnesota lost its second match in a row against a conference newcomer from the West, and coach Keegan Cook summed up the competition this way: "If you haven't experienced it, it can be a little overwhelming."
Wolves guard Anthony Edwards reacts after a three-point basket against  Portland on Friday.

Driven by Edwards' 37 points, Wolves establish superiority three points at a time against Portland

The Timberwolves made 22 three-pointers in 50 tries, keeping a lead large enough that their star didn't play in the fourth quarter.
Leo Gruba, left, and John Whipple are getting tested as freshmen with key minutes against Big Ten opponents.

Gophers freshmen defensemen Gruba, Whipple forced to grow up fast

Junior defenseman Cal Thomas, injured last Friday against Penn State, will miss this weekend's series at Wisconsin, so Leo Gruba and John Whipple will be counted upon again.
San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama stands strong between the Timberwolves' Jaden McDaniels and the rim Saturday.

Wolves' back-to-back assignment proves challenging against the Spurs

The Timberwolves had defeated the Nuggets on Friday, then traveled to Texas, arriving at their hotel at 4:30 a.m.
Minnesota forward Jimmy Clark (23) steals the puck from Penn State forward Xander Lamppa (9) in the first period. The Minnesota Gophers hosted Penn St

Snuggerud's two goals help Gophers cruise past Penn State in men's hockey

The junior standout had four assists last weekend against St. Thomas. On Friday, he was more about putting pucks in nets himself.
Mike Conley's left wrist was taped during Tuesday night's Timberwolves-Mavs game at Target Center.

Timberwolves' Conley bothered by pesky left wrist injury

"When I'm 50, I'll get surgery, not right now," the 37-year-old said ahead of his team's matchup against the Nuggets.
Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets lost a seven-game playoff series to the Timberwolves last season.

Nuggets face Wolves in rematch of last year's playoff series

Broadcast information, injury report and key players.
Liam Souliere stops a shot for Penn State in 2020 against Gophers defenseman Ryan Johnson (23) at 3M Arena at Mariucci.

Gophers goalie Souliere transfers in from Penn State, helping form solid new duo

Nathan Airey has been starting the first game each weekend for the Gophers, with Liam Souliere getting the second game. That should continue this weekend vs. Penn State.
Gophers forward Khyah Harper ranks second in the nation with 17 goals this season.

Gophers soccer has spring in its step, hosting Big Ten tourney after 12-3-3 regular season

The Gophers will face Penn State in a first-round match Thursday and potentially UCLA on Sunday, all at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium in St. Paul.
Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards reacts after being fouled by Raptors guard Ochai Agbaji during Minnesota's victory Saturday night at Target Center.

Timberwolves relive the playoff lows and highs with games against Dallas, Denver

Luka Doncic and the Mavericks are at Target Center on Tuesday night, and the Nuggets will be in town on Friday.
Timberwolves guard Mike Conley drives to the basket in the fourth quarter on Raptors center Jakob Poeltl on Saturday night.

Timberwolves-Mavericks game preview: Broadcast information, injury report, key players

The teams met last season in the Western Conference finals, and Dallas ended the Wolves' season.
Gophers forward August Falloon scores his first career goal during the first period Friday against St. Thomas.

Barrage of goals sends Gophers men's hockey over St. Thomas

The Tommies scored first on Friday night, but the Gophers scored again and again and again.
Jimmy Clark, left, and Connor Kurth have teamed with newcomer Matthew Wood on a potent line so far this season.

Gophers' experiment leads to high-powered line: Clark, Kurth and Wood

The Gophers men's hockey team is getting production from all four lines, but one in particular has stood out through the season's first four games.
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, who has been involved in five WNBA Finals Game 5s, speaks with referee Tiara Cruse during Friday's game. Reeve will be in her

Lynx and Liberty head to WNBA Finals Game 5, laden with drama

This is the eighth time in WBNA history that finalists have played it down to the end. Cheryl Reeve will be there for the sixth time.
Lynx star Napheesa Collier celebrates a moment in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals.

WNBA Finals: Liberty-Lynx Game 5 preview, TV information, injury report

The best-of-five series is tied 2-2, and it'll be settled Sunday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Connor Kurth (10), shown last season, scored a hat trick in this year's season opener win against Air Force.

From Las Vegas to Duluth, Gophers men's hockey adventure continues

The team returns from the Ice Breaker Tournament in Las Vegas to play a good old-fashioned two-game series against rival Minnesota Duluth.
Gophers freshman defender Chloe Primerano has one goal and two assists through the season's first six games.

Gophers women's hockey carries momentum into key home series vs. No. 1 Wisconsin

Minnesota, led by senior star Abbey Murphy, is ranked No. 3 after a highly competitive series at No. 2 Ohio State.
Minnesota goalie Nicole Hensley (29) celebrates with the Walter Cup on May 29 in Lowell, Mass.

Reigning PWHL champ Minnesota Frost to start new 30-game season Dec. 1

The team formerly known as PWHL Minnesota is starting one month earlier than last season, when it won the Walter Cup.
Liberty star Breanna Stewart (30) blocks a shot by Lynx center Alanna Smith (8) in the second half Sunday in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals in New York.

Liberty heads to Minnesota to face Lynx in WNBA Finals after avoiding another collapse

Breanna Stewart rallied her team to victory after being the goat in Game 1. Now it boils down to a best-of-three series, with the Lynx holding home-court advantage.
Alanna Smith (8) and Napheesa Collier celebrate the Lynx Game 5 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday night at Target Center.

The hard road to the WNBA Finals finds survivors in the Lynx, Liberty

The Lynx are appearing in their record seventh Finals and have four league titles. The New York Liberty have never won the championship but are in the Finals for the sixth time.
Minnesota forward Jimmy Snuggerud (81) celebrates after scoring a goal against St. Thomas in the third period Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, at Xcel Energy Ar

Snuggerud stayed with Gophers to win a title; Motzko thinks this group can do it

The Gophers men's hockey season opens Friday night in Las Vegas vs. Air Force with a team brimming in confidence and top defensemen.
Rudy Gobert (27) and Naz Reid (11) are key players this season for the Timberwolves.

Naz Reid gets more versatile for Timberwolves

The NBA's Sixth Man of the Year is noted for scoring off the bench, but playmaking is definitely in his tool kit.
Shadrack Kimining of Kenya wins the men’s division in 2 hours, 10 minutes, 17 seconds in the Twins Cities Marathon in St. Paul .

Bookmyer, Kimining win Twin Cities Marathon on blustery day

A year after the marathon was canceled because of excessive heat, the event went off Sunday in conditions runners called "perfect" and "beautiful." Molly Bookmyer won the women's competition and Shadrack Kimining won the men's.
Runners push themselves down John Ireland Boulevard toward the finish line near the State Capitol of the Twin Cities Marathon on Sunday.

Mantz, feeling chased the whole way, wins the Twin Cities 10-mile men's title

Conner Mantz, who finished eighth in the Paris Olympics marathon, felt the presence of Eritrean steeplechaser Yemane Haileselaisse down to the final mile before pulling away to win by nine seconds.
Vancouver Whitecaps' Ryan Gauld (25) and Minnesota United's Will Trapp (20) vie for the ball during the second half Saturday in Vancouver.

Loons beat Vancouver 1-0 to continue late-season push toward playoffs

Hassani Dotson scored on a first-half penalty kick and the Loons made it hold up on the road in their penultimate game of the season.
Gophers freshman Chloe Primerano has been an up-and-coming star for the Canadian national team.

From Canada, and still just 17, Primerano is a budding star for Gophers women's hockey

Chloe Primerano arrived to the Gophers with a lot of hype and delivered immediately in the team's opening sweep.
Lynx guard Kayla McBride fouls Sun guard DiJonai Carrington in the fourth quarter Tuesday night at Target Center.

The gloves are off: Intensity in Lynx-Sun playoff series goes up a notch with every game

The WNBA best-of-five semifinal is tied at one after the Lynx prevailed in a physical Game 2.
Minnesota United forward Kelvin Yeboah (9) celebrates his first half goal against the Colorado Rapids during the first half.

Yeboah scores twice, Loons shut out Colorado 3-0

Kelvin Yeboah on Saturday scored his sixth and seventh goals - in just six games since he signed with Minnesota as a designated player in late July.
Lynx guard Courtney Williams got past Mercury defenders during her team's victory Wednesday night at Target Center.

Connecticut Sun next foe for Lynx in WNBA playoffs

The second round, best-of-five series starts Sunday night at Target Center.
Abbey Murphy (18) is one of the top Gophers players returning this season.

Can Gophers women's hockey supplant Ohio State, Wisconsin this season?

Three transfers and seven freshmen are new to a Gophers team that went 27-10-2 last season and lost a four-overtime NCAA tournament thriller to Clarkson.
Junior forward Mallory Heyer (24) is one of several key returnees for the Gophers this season.

No Caitlin Clark, but Big Ten schedule has new challenges for Gophers

The Gophers went 20-16 overall and 5-13 in the Big Ten last season. Now the conference boasts UCLA, USC, Oregon and Washington.