ELSAH, Ill. – The Gustavus Adolphus men’s soccer team continued its hot streak on Friday evening with a 3-0 victory over non-conference foe Principia College in the first game of a two-day doubleheader. The win moves Gustavus to 4-0-0 on the season, while Principia falls to 0-3-0.
“A highly competitive game tonight,” said Coach Mike Middleton. “I thought the lads played very well indeed. We dominated the game in terms of possession, creating some very nice chances throughout.”
Matt Murakami (So., Eden Prarie, Minn.), Ian Smith (Amherst, N.H.), and Connor Danielson (Sr., Duluth, Minn.) each scored goals for the Gusties who begin the season with four straight victories for the first time since 2011.
“Our first goal was exceptional,” said Middleton. “Everett Rinke made a nice run down the left, combining well with Patrick Roth. Patrick shaped a lovely left-footed ball across the box and Matt Murakami came in on the far post diving full length for a perfectly timed header…it was a cracker. We created a number of good chances after that, including a shot that cannoned of the crossbar from Everett.”
“We hit them on the break on our second goal,” said Middleton. “The ball was played up to Matt Jacobs by Eli Bjerk. Matt flicked the ball on to Ian Smith who played it over the ‘keeper and into the net at the back post. A first collegiate goal for Ian; well taken and well deserved: he had an excellent game.”
“Our third came from a wide free-kick shaped across the box by Aden Letcher, picked up at the back post by Alex Wilson,” said Middleton. “Alex played the ball in for Connor Danielson who slipped the ball under the ‘keeper from seven yards out. A nice goal and a poachers finish from Connor.”
“Another clean sheet for ‘keeper Anders Severson (Fy., Lino Lakes, Minn.),” added Middleton. “That’s not to be sniffed at! Great stuff from him to this point.”
“We have a tough game tomorrow, without much rest and after a highly competitive game tonight,” concluded Middleton. “Still, that’s what life is about. The lads are happy, they are enjoying life, and all in the garden for the moment is rosy – let’s see how they feel after a well-deserved nights rest.”