The Gustavus men’s soccer team extended its unbeaten streak to six games Tuesday evening with a 3-1 win over Saint Mary’s University in Winona.
Senior midfielder Bobby Kroog (Bloomington, Minn.) got the Gusties on the board first, taking a ball off the foot of Caleb Bousu (Burnsville, Minn.) in the 16th minute and pushing it past Cardinal keeper Ryan O’Connor to give Gustavus a 1-0 lead. Senior Chris Pinahs (Delafield, Wis.) would add what would end up being the game-winner just 12 minutes later, taking a pass from Kroog and finding the net for his first goal of the season. Junior Alex Groth (Waupaca, Wis.) capped the scoring for Gustavus in the 34th minute, giving the Gusties a 3-0 lead when he took a lead from junior Dan Suchy (La Crosse, Wis.) and deposited the ball in the net for his fourth goal of the season.
Saint Mary’s would get one goal back in the waning minutes of the first half as Tim Bollis took a cross from Jon Vik and beat Gustavus goalkeeper Tyler Garry (Sioux Falls, S.D.) just three minutes before halftime.
Garry and O’Connor would play solid in the second half, facing eight and nine shots, respectively. All were turned away unsuccessful with Garry picking up five saves during the contest to move his record in goal to 4-0-0.
Kroog and Bousu continue to add to their career marks and move up the Gustavus all-time lists. With his goal and assist, Kroog moved in to seventh place by himself on the career goals list with 27. His 60 career points (27 G, 6 A) leave him in 10th place all-time, but inch him closer to ninth place, currently held by Mark Heggem with 61 points (22 G, 17 A). Bousu’s 13th career assist and 53 career points (20 G, 13 A) leave him in 13th place all-time in assists and 14th place all-time in points.
The Gusties improve to 5-1-2 overall and 3-0-1 in the MIAC with the win. Saint Mary’s falls to 1-6-1 overall, 1-3-0 in the MIAC. Gustavus will host St. Olaf College on Saturday, October 1 at 3:30 p.m.