Cole Frazier-
Gustavus Men’s Soccer completed their six point weekend. The Men’s Soccer Team won their first game 2-0 versus the University of Dubuque. The second game of the weekend was against the St. Norbert Green Knights. In this game, Gustavus looked to add to their three-game undefeated streak while St. Norbert looked to revitalize their season after their previous 3-0 defeat to St. Johns.
The game began with Gustavus having the majority of possession and a number of dangerous chances. At 3:04, Sophomore Joe Flory seemed to score from a header on the goal line off of a corner. Unfortunately, It was quickly ruled to be a handball and the goal was disallowed. Four minutes later, at 7:42, it was Flory again who quickly burst through the Green Knights’ defense, faking one way and cutting the other to turn the Green Knights’ defender inside out. He then opened his hips to rip a shot toward the top-right corner, which was miraculously saved by the Knights’ goalie.
The breakthrough for the Gusties came in at 24:12 from none other than Flory. With a great darting run from fifth-year Alex Krumenauer beating one, he delivered a cut back to Flory who finished it off in an unorthodox manner. The ball ricocheted off of the crossbar back to a crashing Flory who tapped it in with a header, making it 1-0.
“Soccer is a team game and I am really proud of our whole squad with how we dealt with the back to back games. We managed to keep our energy high and outcompete both teams, which is important when playing at home. In regards to my goals this weekend, I just happened to be the one to put it in the net but those chances would never arise if it weren’t for the hard work and skill of my teammates.” Flory said when asked about his performance.
The Green Knights attempted to respond to the Gusties’ goal but failed to match the onslaught of the Gusties. The Gusties continued to consistently create shots on goal and continue to push for a second. Fifth-year Owen Johnson, junior Mason Gilland, First-year Owen Khamvongsouk, and Sophomore Darren Chukel all produced shots on goal by the end of the half. With 45 minutes down the score stayed at 1-0.
At the beginning of the second half, the Gusties saw a similar amount of success in the attacking third, generating a few shots. It wasn’t until the 62nd minute that there was a change in the scoreline. Owen Johnson stood over the ball for a Gustavus corner kick, Johnson played a whipped ball into the front of the six yard box where Fifth-year Jared Hecht towered above the Knights defenders, flicking it on to the back post. The flick on was perfectly timed as Alex Krumenauer was waiting at the back post to tap it in with his head making the score 2-0.
“Owen played a lovely ball to the back post and all I had to do was head it in. I was feeling confident and excited over the weekend for our games. Every game with everyone is a gift!” Krumenauer said.
In the 71st minute, St. Norbert went on to score a goal off of a corner kick making the score 2-1.
The Gusties responded to the change in scoreline with a flurry of substitutions. These substitutions were quickly rewarded in the 81st minute, when Sophomore Leo Runstead took a corner for Gustavus. His ball made it over the Green Knights keeper and landed right on Jared Hecht’s foot, who quickly tucked it into the back of the net. After this weekend’s games Hecht was awarded MIAC Defensive Player of the Week after recording two assists and scoring another in this weekend’s match ups. He also led the Gustavus defensive unit to limit their opposition to only four shots over the course of the two games.
Hecht was asked about the defensive unit so far this year, he said, “As a unit, our defense is coming together nicely this season with some new additions that are performing well. Defense is something we are building our game around and I’m looking forward to us continuing our current form in the upcoming weeks.”
The game ended with controversy with a red card being shown to Joe Anguil of St. Norberts shortly after Gustavus’ third goal. This may have been the final nail in the coffin for St. Norberts as the game ended with the Gusties’ three and the Green Knights’ with one.
Gustie fifth-year and captain Sam Just was asked how he felt about this win, he responded “St. Norbert was a tough challenge and we came together to keep ourselves undefeated. Things are starting to click as a team and I’m excited for us to keep getting better as the season goes on!” Just, who registered almost 150 minutes over the two games, was integral to the mentality and overall performance of the team, serving as a part of the team’s midfield backbone during this weekend of brutal back-to-back games.
After this most recent weekend of success, the Gusties climbed the United Soccer Coaches DIII poll, being ranked number 10 in the country. They also reclaimed their title as being ranked number 1 in the North. The team hopes to continue their winning ways at Bethany Lutheran College on Wednesday and Loras College on Saturday.