ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. – The Gustavus men’s soccer team concluded play at the Seahawks Classic on Sunday afternoon, dropping a 2-1 decision to Salisbury State, moving to 1-5 overall.
“The lads really took the game to Salisbury State today – we controlled parts of a largely even game, and we certainly had them scrambling for the last twenty minutes,” Head Coach Mike Middleton said. “They were a very organized, experienced and talented team who is expected to compete through to the last stages of the tournament this year. For such a young squad such as ours to dominate parts of the game, that was great to see.”
Salisbury State struck first in the 20th minute as it scored on a rebound from a penalty kick and led 1-0 at halftime.
“The game was really even when the first goal came about,” Middleton said. “That could have really knocked us back given the manner of the goal. The goalkeeper Anders Severson (So., Woodbury, Minn.) made a superb save from the penalty kick but fortunately for the taker the rebound fell straight back to him. Despite that obvious setback we were not thrown off, continuing to really take the game to them.”
Salisbury State increased its lead early in the second half as a header was scored from the far post. Gustavus ended the shutout in the 54th minute as Patrick Roth (Sr., Stillwater, Minn.) sent a cross to Matt Ouren (So., North Mankato, Minn.), who flicked the ball over to Luke Laurich (Fy., Batavia, Ill.), who then scored through the bottom corner for his second goal of the season.
“From then on we largely dominated proceedings, creating several chances without being able to convert,” Middleton said.
Salisbury State outshot the Gusties 17-6 and posted eight corner kicks, compared to three by Gustavus. Severson suffered the loss in goal, making six saves in 90 minutes.
“This is a stellar performance, and to have a team of this standard really scrambling at times to cope with us was good to see,” Middleton said. “And, Salisbury was very good indeed. The lads are disappointed, but have to feel good about themselves. This was a pretty physical game, and we have a few knocks and bruises to take care of, then its concentrating on our conference home opener on Wednesday.”
The Gusties open MIAC play at 4 p.m. Wednesday as No. 20-ranked Macalester comes to St. Peter.