Matt Jacobs scored two goals in the Gustavus men's soccer team's 3-0 victory over Viterbo. With the win, Gustavus earned the Gustavus Classic title.
ST. PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus Adolphus men’s soccer team came away a 3-0 victor over Viterbo University on Sunday afternoon at the Gustie Soccer Field, earning itself the title in its own tournament. The win moves Gustavus to 3-0-0 overall, while Viterbo falls to 2-5-0 on the year.
“I was really pleased with the passing and movement, especially early on,” said Coach Mike Middleton. “Throughout the game, we tried to play, and displayed some high-level, intricate skills at times on a very wet pitch. What was really pleasing was to get so many players involved, with several lads coming off the bench to make excellent contributions. We completely dominated possession again, and it was another really nice performance overall. I hope the lads realize not every game will be like this, but as long as they continue working as hard as they have been, we will be fine.”
The Gusties got themselves on the board early after Matt Jacobs (So., Mankato, Minn.) scored two goals within four minutes of the game’s start. His first came at the 1:23 mark off an assist from Konnor Tranoris (Sr., Des Moines, Iowa), while his second came at 3:37 from Patrick Roth (Jr., Stillwater, Minn.).
“Matt took both very well indeed,” said Middleton. “He had several chances at his hat-trick but couldn’t quite finish it off. To the credit of Viterbo, they kept running throughout, despite our lads having the lions share of the ball.”
Sam Leske was named tournament MVP.
Roth scored the Gusties’ third goal at the 59:13 mark off an assist from senior defender Sam Leske (Hampton, Minn.), who was later named the tournament MVP by the coaches.
“Our third was an absolute cracker,” said Middleton. “I thought it was a goal that really exemplified the team play as a whole, with half a dozen passes or more in the move ending up with Patrick side-footing the ball in from Sam. It was a lovely goal.”
The Gusties dominated the shot chart once again, outshooting the V-Hawks 24-4. Gustavus also won the corner kick tally 8-1.
“We once again had several individuals with outstanding performances,” said Middleton. “Alex Wilson, in his debut, could have had three goals – he had two 1-on-1’s with their ‘keeper, who to his credit made really excellent saves. Credit to Alex for making him work. Good performances again from Everett Rinke and Jack Conroy – both performed well on Friday and cemented that form with good run-outs today. Sam Leske was named tournament MVP for a reason. He’s a phenomenal athlete covering so much ground on the right hand-side. He defends, he sets up goals, he’s always on the move – he’s a terrific player. Perhaps the man-of-the-match on Friday, Sam had another stormer today. He could play at the next level – top class stuff.”
Anders Severson (Fy., Lino Lakes, Minn.) earned his third win in as many games between the posts for the Gusties in 74:11 of play. Tyler Szorcsik (Fy., Chanhassen, Minn.) played the remainder of the game, keeping the V-Hawks scoreless in his first collegiate action.
Another clean sheet for Anders – he thinks this college lark is a piece of cake,” said Middleton. “Nice to see Tyler get some minutes in the net as well. He’s worked his socks off to get where he is – well done to him.”
Following the game, an all-tournament team was announced, with Jacobs, Leske, Charlie Adams (Sr., Stillwater, Minn.), Patrick Leach (Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D.), and Eli Bjerk (Sr., Stillwater, Minn.) being named Gustavus’ representatives.
Gustavus will return to game action Friday when it travels to Principia College in Elsah, Illinois for a 7 p.m. matchup. From there, the Gusties will head to Greenville, Illinois on Saturday for a contest with Greenville College, which will also begin at 7 p.m.
“We’re off to Illinois next weekend to play two very good teams,” said Middleton. “It’ll be nice to play under lights, and another excellent challenge for the lads to look forward to.”
Great job Matt! Wish I were there!