Since scoring two goals in the opening match of the season, Gustavus’ Gabe Steinborn’s name ceased to appear on the score sheet in 13-straight matches. That nonsense ended today, as the junior midfielder could not have picked a better time for his third goal of the season, being Johnny on the spot in the 89th minute to knock home a rebound from inside the box to give Gustavus a 2-1 victory over Augsburg on Saturday afternoon in St. Peter, Minn.
“Unfortunately, an inevitable mistake happened with a few minutes to go to, making it a tie game from a set-play,” said Head Coach Mike Middleton. “The very impressive David Lilly made a lung-busting run with the ball, which was followed by a consummately calm finish by the stylish Gabe Steinborn.”
The Auggies scored the game-tying goal on some late-match heroics of their own. Sherif Soud headed in the equalizer in the 85th minute when Mathia Macody Lund found him on a free kick coming from near the corner. The goal was Soud’s first of the season.
Gustavus took an early lead with a goal by Zach Brown at the 13:24 mark. Brown’s goal, his 10th of the season, was assisted by Eric Schneider and came on a strike from the top left side of the box.
The two squads played over 75 minutes of scoreless soccer following Brown’s goal. The Auggies held the advantage in both shots (8-7) and corner kicks (8-1) in the match.
“Given the circumstances, we created a number of very good goal-scoring opportunities,” said Middleton. “Zach Brown scored a lovely goal in the first half, that would have graced any game, and we had a number of chances to put the game to bed, but just couldn’t find the net.”
Gustavus goalkeeper Brett Ylonen made three saves on the way to a complete-game victory. Ylonen is now 11-1-1 on the season with a 0.53 goals against average and an .867 save percentage.
“The main defenders Justin Eglseder, Lucas Thompson, Ben Ceder, and Sean Sendelbach were excellent throughout, and freshman keeper Brett Ylonen was something to behold. He’s a star,” commented Middleton.
Gustavus picks up three points with the victory, improving to 13-1-1 overall and 6-1-1 in the MIAC. Augsburg falls to 8-4-1 overall and 4-3-0 in the MIAC with the loss. Gustavus is currently in a tie for first place with Carleton (6-0-1 MIAC) in the conference standings with 19 points.
“To dig the win out speaks volumes for the lads. They deserve all the plaudits they receive. In life you do not always get what you deserve, but we did today. The coaching staff is very proud of every one of them!” rejoiced Middleton.