In a battle of regionally rated foes, the Gustavus men’s soccer team played Saint John’s University to a 2-2 tie. The Gusties entered the match rated third in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/adidas West Region poll, while the Johnnies are rated tenth in the same poll. Gustavus moves to 4-1-2 overall and 2-0-1 in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Saint John’s is now 6-0-1 overall, 2-0-1 in the MIAC.
The Johnnies were the first to find the back of the net, with Tudor Flintham putting the ball into the net just 11 minutes into the game off an assist from Jerry D’Alessandro. The Gusties responded in the 27th minute as senior forward Caleb Bousu (Burnsville, Minn.) took an Alex Groth pass and sent it into the net past Johnnie keeper Jason Phillippi. Bousu would give Gustavus the lead in the second half, using an assist from senior forward Jeff Aasness to record his fourth goal of the season. Saint John’s would get the equalizer less than ten minutes later, though, as John Krebsbach placed the ball into net behind Gustie keeper Trevor Brown.
Saint John’s picked up three yellow cards during the affair, including one in the first overtime, but the Gusties could not capitalize. Both keepers stood their ground during the two 10-minute overtime periods, forcing the tie. During the game, they enjoyed a 23-16 shot advantage as well as an 11-1 margin in corner kicks.
The Gusties travel to Winona on Tuesday to face Saint Mary’s University in another MIAC tilt.