Staff Writer- Alayna Boe

​​The Gustavus Adolphus College Golden Gusties faced off against the nationally ranked, No. 25 Luther College Norse on September 12th. This match featured physical play, strong defensive efforts, and several momentum swings throughout the game. With both teams looking to establish themselves early in the season, the matchup provided an important opportunity for Gustavus to measure themselves against an early ranked team.

From the tip off, the intensity of the game was evident. Neither team was willing to give the other much room to make plays. This created a game requiring patience and execution on both sides of the ball. The Gusties worked to establish a style of play while Luther looked to create pressure and turn defensive runs into offensive chances.

The Golden Gusties entered this game with a focus on controlling possession and limiting turnovers, and cards. Throughout the opening part of the game, Gustavaus showed their ability to move the ball across the field effectively. They also maintained an organized defensive structure. The team’s defense was not put to the test right away, but as the game went on Luther started to gain more offensive breaks.

For Gustavus one of the biggest challenges was finding consistency. Putting up four shots, and a goal within the first 16 minutes of the game gave Gustavus a quick advantage, but it was not consistent with the rest of the game. While the rest of the game was not this aggressive for the Gusties, they remained in the game until the very end.

Luther showed how early, non-ranked, games can be a challenge for the nationally recognized team. The Norse fell to the Gusties right away in the game and had to compete for possession in almost every phase of this match. Their ability to respond to Gustavus pressure helped keep the game close and prevented the Gusties from settling down right away.

As the game progressed, both teams began to find more opportunities. The increased pressure created a back and forth battle between the two opponents. Each side was attempting to take advantage of the other’s mistake and vice versa. Gustavis relied on its defensive structure to prevent Luther from turning those opportunities into extended offensive stretches. 

Defense was a key component of the Gusties strategy for this game. Players were staying close to their man and making sure to block passing lanes and areas for scoring. When Luther threatened to generate momentum, Gustavus responded with defensive pressure to try and stop the Norse. 

At the same time, the Gusties continued looking for an offensive breakthrough. The team’s attack required patience, but they executed a beautiful goal by Senior Joe Flory in the first half of the game. A cross was played from the right side by Senior Diego Paulin and found Junior Easton Hoch near the end line, who played it back across goal. Senior Sam Kaeding left the ball for Flory, who calmly but strongly sent the ball into the back of the net. This goal gave the Gusties a lead that lasted for almost 15 minutes until the Norse got one up. The first half ended at a 1-1 tie. 

Competitive nature was shown throughout with Gustavus fouling the Norse six times, and the Norse fouling five times. With the first half ending in a tie, the second half was where the game would be proven. Each possession became important and the pressure amped up all around. 

For the Gusties, this game provided more than just an opponent, it put them against a ranked team very early on in the season. This gave them a way to measure their success differently and let them see where their game may lack in terms of building up plays or working all together. 

This match also showed the importance of preseason and preparation in general. Against an opponent like Luther, small details can make a big difference in the end. Positioning for every play, communication, subs, and being able to maintain possession down in the offensive zone become incredibly important. Without a small mistake, neither team could have taken advantage, so in order to make something one team must falter and the opposing team will be ready to pounce.

Luther had two goals in the second half within three minutes of each other. The Gusties were then dragging behind for the last 30 minutes of the game. Even though they were down by two, the Gusties never showed complacency or the desire to not win. Playing until the final whistle, the Gustavus Golden Gusties proved their game against the Luther Norse.

The Gusties will take on Saint John’s in Collegeville on September 19th at 3:30pm.