MITCHELL, S.D. – The Gustavus men’s soccer team wrapped up its non-conference schedule Tuesday afternoon with a 5-0 victory at Dakota Wesleyan, improving its overall record to 11-5 on the season.
Five different scorers found their way on the scoresheet for Gustavus, all coming in the second half, highlighted by a collegiate first from Will Richards (So., Hudson, Wis.), a career-high two assist game from Kyle Monson (Jr., Verona, Wis.), as well as a goal and assist each from Matt Murakami (Sr., Eden Prairie, Minn.) and Arthur Parens (Jr., Wayzata, Minn.).
The Black and Gold outshot the Tigers 7-3 and led 5-1 in corner kick opportunities despite the scoreboard reading 0-0 at the intermission.
“A hard earned, well deserved win today,” said Head Coach Mike Middleton. “We set up the result with our first half performance. We ran them ragged, forcing them to defend for long periods in that first half.”
Alex Wilson (Sr., Ashland, Wis.) opened the scoring at the 69th minute to get the Gusties on the board with his second goal of the season. Murakami assisted on the eventual game-winning goal.
The Gusties tallied four more goals in the final 20 minutes of the half, with Richards, Parens, Murakami, and Luke Laurich (So., Batavia, Ill.) picking up goals.
“We opened them up in the second half and were able to capitalize on the extra space created after the oppositions first half exertions. We had some really nicely crafted goals, which is nice to see. And, shared around the team, proving we can be dangerous from a number of areas,” Middleton commented.
Leading Dakota Wesleyan 19-6 in shots while owning an 8-1 advantage in corner kick opportunities, the Gustie defense held strong as well. Goalkeepers Matt Bateman (Jr., Savage, Minn.) and Anders Severson (Jr., Woodbury, Minn.) combined for the shutout in net, with Bateman recording three saves.
“The lads are flying at the moment. We certainly look like we are in good form. The lads must keep their feet on the ground though as we know what happens to hotdogs- they get burnt,” Middleton concluded.
Gustavus wraps up its regular season next week with two matches ahead, heading to Hamline University on Tuesday and returning home to host Macalester College on senior day next Saturday.