Brad Williams battles to retain possession. (Photo courtesy of Mikeal Brickley, Gustavus Sports Information)
ST. PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s soccer fell by a score of 4-1 against the University of St. Thomas during homecoming on Saturday afternoon at Gustie Soccer Field, dropping its overall record to 5-4 and 1-2 in the MIAC.
The Tommies registered two goals in the first half and two in the second to outmatch the Gusties. Matt Gibbons (Fy., Minneapolis, Minn.) tallied the Gusties’ only goal of the game late in the second period on a penalty kick, his second of the season.
“Not the easiest game today in high temperatures, with couple of different lines of fast forwards coming at our defense running onto route one balls as soon as we made a mistake in possession,” said Head Coach Mike Middleton. “It’s very difficult to deal with pure pace, and they had a couple quick, hard-running forwards. And, they were able to sub those off every twenty minutes with the bench forward equally as quick.”
St. Thomas outshot Gustavus 9-4 in the first half, and 8-4 in the second, while corner kicks were even at 3-3 each period.
“We played pretty well in the first half, and the two goals were somewhat against the run of play,” Middleton commented. “But, a loss of possession nearly always resulted in a early long ball straight into the center of defense. We did not cope with it very well. They were a direct, athletic, counter-attacking team – route one with pace, and did it very well.”
Goalkeeper Matt Bateman (Jr., Savage, Minn.) recorded saves in goal while suffering the loss. Gibbons led the Gustie attack with five shots.
“If we want to be a possession-orientated team we be careful not to give away possession in dangerous areas, and we most have the confidence to play even under pressure. It was nice to get a goal back at the end, but we need to get sorted out for our next game on Tuesday,” Middleton concluded.
Gustavus continues Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play on Tuesday, heading to Northfield, Minn. for a matchup against St. Olaf College.