Gustavus forward J.T. Johnson scored two goals and assisted on a third in a span of six minutes, 46 seconds in the second half Saturday to lead the Gusties to a 3-1 road victory over Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The Gusties controlled the offense in the first half, out-shooting the Prairie Wolves 8-0 in the period, but could not get a shot past NWU goalkeeper Eric Lyons. Just 4:06 into the second half, however, a NWU foul gave Gustavus a free kick, which Johnson promptly put past Lyons to give the Gusties a 1-0 lead. A NWU response was not far behind, though, as Mitchel Hemming put a header into the net to tie the score at 1-1 in the 52nd minute.
In the 55th minute, an aggressive Gustie offense drew another NWU foul, this time inside the penalty box. Johnson converted the ensuing penalty kick for his second goal of the day, giving Gustavus a 2-1 edge. The capper would come just one minute later as the Gusties were awarded a corner kick. Doug Schroeder’s cross was redirected by Johnson to Jeff Aasness, who directed the ball into the net for the third Gustavus goal of the day.
Johnson’s five points (two goals, one assist) is the highest single point day for any Gustie since Bobby Kroog scored six points on three goals against Buena Vista on August 30, 2003. Johnson was also the last Gustie to have a multiple goal day, scoring a pair against Colorado College in a 2-0 victory last season.
The win moves Gustavus to 1-1-1 on the season. The Gusties play at Simpson on September 11 before opening MIAC play Wednesday, September 14 at Carleton.