MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s soccer team won its third straight Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference match Saturday night, defeating Augsburg 2-1 in overtime. The victory moves the Gusties to 4-7-1 overall and 3-2-1 in the MIAC, which is good for third place in the current league standings.
“Great win fore the lads tonight,” Head Coach Mike Middleton said. “Really nice to play under lights for a change, and it suited us. We went a goal up relatively early on, and created some excellent chances. Disappointing to concede a goal from a set-play, but we looked pretty solid once again in open play.
“Its nice to not win 1-0, but 2-1 is still a bit nerve-racking! We had quite a lot of shots tonight, but it would be good to put some more away. This was a tight game, and once again I have to say that the tough schedule early in the year has set us up really well. We look mentally tougher, and the lads put in a real shift in a pretty physically competitive game.”
Gustavus struck first in the 34th minute as Luke Laurich (Fy., Batavia, Ill.) scored his third goal of the season on a header as a result of a long free kick by Cody Billins (Fy., Farmington, Minn.). After the first 45 minutes of play, the Gusties led 1-0 at halftime.
The Auggies netted the equalizer in the 61st minute on a header goal of their own off a corner kick. The Gusties had four shot opportunities after the Augsburg goal, but couldn’t find the back of the net and the game went into overtime. It didn’t take long into the extra period for the Gusties to end it as Arthur Parens (So., Wayzata, Minn.) scored the game-winner 1:31 into the overtime on an assist from Matt Murakami (Jr., Eden Prairie, Minn.). The goal was Parens’ third of the season and second of the game-winning variety.
“Excellent goal to take the game right at the start of overtime,” Middleton said. “Once again an excellent combination between Matt Murakami and goalscorer Arthur Parens. They looked a real handful, but once again the defense looked very steady – Jack Conroy is really showing his mettle, and the leadership of the team is first class.”
The Gusties tallied 16 shots compared to 14 by Augsburg. The match also proved to be a physical battle with six yellow cards (three on each team) and one red card.
Matt Bateman (So., Savage, Minn.) earned the win in goal after making four saves. Bateman improves to 3-2-0 with his third straight conference win.
“A well-deserved win,” Middleton said. “We are moving up the table nicely, equal on points now with Macalester, who earlier last week were ranked No. 6 nationally. Now have twelve points to play for!”
Gustavus returns home Wednesday for a 4 p.m. match against Saint John’s, who lost to Bethel 3-1 today.