Take away Wednesdays loss to Saint John’s and the Gusties have finally been playing their soccer.
Despite a bit of a rough start to their season, the Gustavus men’s soccer team has had multiple strong performances in the past few weeks. Although currently holding an overall record of four wins, seven losses, and one tie, the team has enjoyed a decent amount of success in MIAC conference play this year. The squad has a conference record of three wins, three losses, and one tie, winning three straight games against MIAC opponents Saint Mary’s, Carleton, and Augsburg but falling to Saint John’s.
“The early part of the season was tough as we had a very tough schedule, but it was crucial in the buildup for MIAC play and has definitely contributed to our success in the MIAC up to this point. Every game that we play well helps to build even more confidence in our team. We have been taking every game one at a time with the goal of taking three points from each contest,” Sophomore goalkeeper Matt Bateman said.
“At the beginning of the season we were playing great soccer but not getting the results. We stuck to course and we knew the results would come, and they have.” — Patrick Roth
Bateman has been a very key part of the team’s success lately. Completing two shutouts in the last three games, Bateman was recently named MIAC Soccer Athlete of the Week.
“It was definitely not something I could have done alone. Every player on our team plays a crucial role in each game and everyone contributes in a different way. I’m more excited that we won both games that week and that we have been playing well and getting better every day,” Bateman said about the award.
As long as the members of the team continue to fill their respective roles, the team will meet their overall goals for the season.
“One of our overall goals as a team is to come together and play quality soccer that we are happy with. At the beginning of the season, we were playing great soccer but not getting the results. We stuck to course and we knew the results would come, and they have. Another team goal is to make the conference tournament and win it. We know as a team that we can compete with any team when we play well so we are pushing to make the conference tournament,” Senior Captain Patrick Roth said.
“The early part of the season was very tough as we had a very tough schedule, but it was crucial in the buildup for MIAC play and has definitely contributed to our success.” — Matt Bateman
Roth is one of two seniors on the team.
“I am honored to lead a team of such wonderful teammates. My teammates are great and make going to practice every day an enjoyable time. My fellow senior, Henry Brose, and I are pushing our teammates hard to get the most out of them because we are looking to make another late run this year,” Roth said.
In order to make the postseason conference tournament and make that run, the Gusties must finish the regular season in the top six in the MIAC standings. The Gusties currently rank third in the tightly contested MIAC conference with 10 points.
The team has multiple crucial conference games against Bethel, Concordia, and Hamline left on their schedule. The Gusties hope to keep bounce back and make a run deep into the postseason.