The Gustavus men’s soccer team extended it unbeaten streak to five matches with a 1-0 win over Concordia on Saturday afternoon in Moorhead, Minn. Senior Grant Steine (Chaska, Minn.) struck the game-winning goal off a penalty kick in the 37th minute to allow the Gusties their first conference victory of the season.
Gustavus improves to 4-1-1 overall and 1-0-1 in the MIAC, while Concordia moves to 4-3-0 overall and 1-1-0 in the MIAC.
“We played well today. We had a dozen or more excellent moves and at times looked really top class,” said Head Coach Mike Middleton. “I was not pleased we didn’t put the game away after creating a whole slew of chances throughout the match, but all in all, it was a good performance today and I’m happy for the team after a big win.”
Sophomore goalkeeper Brett Ylonen (Lake Elmo, Minn.) had to make three saves before Grant Steine buried the eventual game-winner at 37:00 of the first half. The goal is Steine’s first game-winner and fourth total of the season.
The Gusties outshot the Cobbers 6-1 in the second half and 11-6 in the match. Zach Brown (So., Eau Claire, Wis.) led the offensive with a match-high five shots, including one that hit the crossbar. The Black and Gold also held the corner kick advantage with a 9-to-3 edge.
Ylonen picks up his second shutout victory of the season and is now 3-1-1 on the year. He carries a 0.69 goals against average and .826 save percentage into Wednesday’s match against Wartburg College.
“We have Wartburg on Wednesday, which is the last in series of away games,” Middleton commented. “We are looking forward to another non-conference test before playing back at home for the first time in three matches. A good job by the men today makes for a pleasant trip home.”
The Gusties will travel to Waverly, Iowa on Wednesday to take on the Knights under the lights at 7:00 p.m. Gustavus is 1-0 this season in night matches after defeating North Park University 1-0 on Sept. 7 in Chicago.