The Gustavus men’s soccer team picked up two goals in the second half to defeat Fredonia State (N.Y.) 2-0 in a NCAA Sectional Final Saturday afternoon in Grand Rapids, Mich. The win advances Gustavus (16-2-5) to next weekend’s NCAA Final Four in Greensboro, N.C. where they will face Whitworth College (Wash.) on Friday, November 25.
2005 MIAC MVP Bobby Kroog (Sr., Bloomington, Minn.) put the Gusties on the board with a blast to the top shelf just 1:38 into the second half. Caleb Bousu (Sr., Burnsville, Minn.) provided the assist. Sophomore J.T. Johnson (Tonka Bay, Minn.) scored the second goal in the 74th minute off a pass from Kroog to give Gustavus a two-goal cushion.
The Gusties and Blue Devils were even on shots, with eight apiece. Gustavus did, however, have a 3-1 advantage in corner kicks and committed the only offsides of the game. Gustie keeper Tyler Garry (Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) again played well in net, picking up three saves.
Gustavus’ win marks the first time a men’s soccer team from the MIAC has advanced to the NCAA Final Four. Women’s teams from St. Thomas (1987), Saint Benedict (1990) and Macalester (1998-1st, 1999-2nd) have previously made it to national semifinals.
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