Men’s Soccer Ties Augsburg 1-1 Posted on October 10th, 2015 by

Patrick Roth scored the Gusties' goal in a 1-1 tie with Augsburg on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Williams '16)

Gustavus 1, Augsburg 1 (Box)

ST. PETER, Minn. – After tying Macalester College 1-1 this past Tuesday, the Gustavus Adolphus men’s soccer team earned its second straight tie when it came to a 1-1 draw with Augsburg on Saturday at the Gustie Soccer Field. The tie brings the Gusties’ record to 5-3-3 overall and 0-3-3 in the MIAC, while Augsburg moves to 4-6-2 overall and 2-2-1 in the MIAC.

“Another really good performance, linked with a very disappointing result – we needed more than a draw today,” said Coach Mike Middleton. “Augsburg has some good, young players, which will help them in future. As for us, we have to keep plugging away … it will click eventually. Despite the wind, we were very good in possession, creating a number of good entries into the attacking third. You can see what we’re trying to do, we are just struggling to put the ball in the back of the net, yet still playing really well.”

Gustavus took an early lead when Patrick Roth (Jr., Stillwater, Minn.) was able to head in a free kick from fellow Stillwater native Eli Bjerk just 4:25 into the game to give the home squad a 1-0 lead.

“The first goal was excellent, with Eli Bjerk finding Patrick Roth inside the box, who scored an excellent header,” said Middleton. “I have to admire our work-rate – I thought the lads really put in a shift today. We had some really good performances, and everyone gave everything they had. Eli and Charlie Adams (Sr., Stillwater, Minn.) had cracking games: both really good in possession, and both very creative. The back four were tremendous with Patrick Leach (Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) and Jack Conroy (Fy., Shoreview, Minn.) in the middle of the defense putting up really good performances – they were solid as rocks. Davis Petros (Fy., Apple Valley, Minn.) and Sam Leske (Sr., Hampton, Minn.) were simply outstanding, as was goalkeeper Matt Bateman (Fy., Savage, Minn.) who looks a top prospect.”

Augsburg was able to knot the score up at one goal apiece when Abdullah Alshayba was able to find the clear and boot his first goal of the season at the 70:50 mark.

Following Augsburg’s goal, the Gusties were able to get three shots off, including one on goal, before time expired in regulation, but could not find the net. Gustavus also held a 3-2 advantage in shots during both overtime periods.

“We had some really good chances … but we’ve simply got to start putting some of those away,” said Middleton. “In truth, the last 15 minutes of the first half cost us – we were on top at that stage, and much too profligate with our chances. We should have put the game out of sight there and then. You cannot win games if you don’t score goals.”

In his second career start, Bateman earned his second career tie, as he allowed one goal and made four saves over 110 minutes. Augsburg ‘keeper Tommy Molski also allowed one goal and made eight saves on the day. Gustavus outshot Augsburg 17-9, including a 9-5 mark on goal.

Gustavus will be back in action on Wednesday when it heads to Collegeville, Minnesota for a 4 p.m. battle with Saint John’s University (9-1-2, 4-0-1 MIAC).

“We’ll keep plugging away,” concluded Middleton. “A tough one up next, against and up-and-at-you team. “We certainly look like a class team in terms of playing, but we just cannot score. Let’s see what we can do on Wednesday; hopefully that will change.”

 

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