The Gustavus men’s soccer extended its conference unbeaten streak to seven matches (5-0-2) with a 2-0 win in very difficult conditions at Hamline in St. Paul on Tuesday afternoon. The Gusties got goals from Evan Odean and Doug Frey, while goalkeeper Luke Strom posted his sixth shutout of the season. Gustavus improves to 10-4-3 overall and 5-1-3 in the MIAC.
Gustavus Coach Mike Middleton was very pleased with his team’s resolve in difficult condititions. He stated, “We kept our composure in simply dreadful conditions. The guys played effective defense and possessed beautifully against a brutal wind in the first half and then took advantage of the wind and attacked the goal in the second half.”
The score was tied at 0-0 after 45 minutes of play. Gustavus tallied what would turn out to be the gamewinner midway through the second half on a strong effort by Odean. Middleton described the goal, “Evan overlapped on a well-timed run through the back and took a ball from Max Malmquist as he broke to the middle of the 18. He beat two defenders with the ball and then drove a left-footed bullet into the upper corner of the near post. It was a tremendous effort on Evan’s part.”
The Gusties would extend the lead later in the half on goal by Doug Frey. It was Frey’s eighth goal of the season and fourth in the last three games.
Gustavus will close out regular season play on Friday night at Augsburg with a spot in the MIAC Post-Season Tournament at stake. Coach Mike Middleton is looking forward to the matchup. He stated, “It should be a great game. This is the reason you play and it is exciting to go in to final game of the season with a chance to qualify for the MIAC Tournament.”