Gusties celebrate an Arthur Parens goal. (Photo courtesy of Kegan Couture, Gustavus Sports Information)
ST. PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s soccer team earned a 2-0 shutout over Saint John’s University on a rainy Saturday afternoon at Gustie Soccer Field during the 50th season celebration, led by a two-goal performance from Arthur Parens (Jr., Wayzata, Minn.).
The Gusties held a strong advantage over the Johnnies in the first half, and capitalized near the end of the half as Parens got the Black and Gold on the board at the 44th minute. Brad Williams (Sr., Andover, Minn.) found the Gusties’ leading-scorer streaking down the left side as he put his 10th goal of the season past Saint John’s goalkeeper Payton Spencer to give Gustavus a 1-0 lead going into the intermission.
Gustavus outshot the Johnnies 9-1 and held a 6-0 corner kick advantage after the first 45 minutes.
The home team maintained its momentum on the attack in the second half, outshooting Saint John’s by a mark of 8-1 and leading 3-1 in corner kick chances.
Parens tallied his second goal of the game and at the 84th minute, ripping a shot off the hands of Spencer and collecting his own rebound for his 11th goal of 2017, which is second most in the MIAC.
Matt Bateman (Jr., Savage, Minn.) made two saves in goal to earn his fourth shutout and 10th win on the season.
The Gusties, now 10-5 overall and 5-3 during Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play, return to action on Tuesday as they head to Mitchell, S.D. for their final non-conference matchup at Dakota Wesleyan University.