Minneapolis – Thanks to header goal by Gabe Steinborn (Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) in the 86th minute of the match, the Gustavus men’s soccer team was able to defeat Augsburg 1-0 in what was an important conference test on Saturday afternoon.
“A beautiful ball from David Lilly on a corner and Gabe Steinborn rose like salmon, completely unmarked to power the header in. It was an absolute cracker,” said Head Coach Mike Middleton about his junior midfielder’s game-winning goal.
Gustavus improves to 10-2-1 overall and 6-1-1 in the MIAC with the win, while Augsburg is now 8-5-2 overall and 3-3-1 in the MIAC.
“Top class performance today,” Middleton added. “We had to deal with the long ball style, match their physicality, and still play the way we wanted – which we did very well. I can’t praise the lads enough.”
Gustavus held a 10-7 shots advantage in the first half before Augsburg turned things around in the second, outshooting the Gusties 11-6 in the frame. By the final tick, the Auggies outshot Gustavus 18-16.
With time in regulation winding down, Gustavus took advantage of its one and only corner kick of the second half. David Lilly (So., Maple Grove, Minn.) directed the corner into the box where Steinborn headed home his second goal of the season.
Middleton commented on the game-winning corner, stating, “We watched them play last week and noticed some issues with their zonal marking at corners. We exploited those errors beautifully and were rewarded with a goal. What the lads worked on came to fruition.”
Goalkeeper Brett Ylonen (So., Lake Elmo, Minn.) was credited with his fifth complete-game shutout win of the season. He made four saves in the match and is now 8-2-1 on the year.
“Our possession orientated style seemed to give us that extra ability and time on the ball. The forward runs were terrific. They checked beautifully and held the ball up really well. To go along with a stellar day from our defense and goalkeeper, it was a great all-around effort and a well-deserved win,” concluded Middleton.
The Gustavus men’s soccer team will be back at home to battle Buena Vista University in its last non-conference on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 4:00 p.m.