When games are on the line, big players tend to come up with big plays. Carleton’s leading scorer Tim Wills was just that as the Knights defeated the Gustavus men’s soccer team 1-0 on Tuesday afternoon in Northfield, Minn. Wills headed home the game-winning goal early in the match and the Knights were able to keep the Gusties out of the net for the remainder.
Carleton improves to 12-5-2 and advances to face crosstown rival St. Olaf for the MIAC Playoff Championship on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 1:00 p.m. in Northfield. The Gusties suffer just their second loss of the season today, dropping to 14-2-3.
After an equally played open to the match, Nathan Park delivered a beautiful cross into the box on a rush of the left side, finding Wills in the clear at the front of the net for the header and eventual game-winning goal. The goal came at the 14:17 mark and was Wills’ ninth of the season and fourth game-winner.
In what was a rough match from start to finish, as Carleton was charged with 12 fouls compared to Gustavus’ five. Two yellow cards were handed out in the contest. Carleton’s Nathan Park picked one up in the 10th minute, and Zach Brown got one in the 47th.
The Gusties outshot the Knights 5-3 in the first half and 10-5 in the second. Four of Gustavus’ 15 total shots in the match made it through to Carleton goalkeeper James Neher. Neher picked up the shutout victory and improves to 10-4-2 on the season.
Gustavus controlled possession for much of the second half yet couldn’t find a way to generate good looks at the net. Of their 10 second-half-shots, two were saved by the Carleton keeper.
Brett Ylonen was challenged just once after the Will’s goal in the 14th minute. The rookie goalie made two saves in the match, moving to 12-2-3 on the season with the loss.
David Lilly led Gustavus with three shots, while four other players recorded two.