NEW ULM, Minn. – The Gustavus Adolphus men’s soccer team began its competitive schedule on a positive note on Tuesday evening, earning a 2-0 victory over non-conference foe Martin Luther College at the Martin Luther Soccer Field. The win gives the Gusties a 1-0-0 mark to begin their 2015 season and pushes their record to a perfect 9-0-0 against the Knights all-time.
“A really enjoyable game today for all involved,” said Coach Mike Middleton. “We created an absolute hatful of chances, with 32 shots being listed. I do know that we need to brush up our finishing, but to be fair to the lads, at this time of year to be creating the chances is much more important and we crafted some absolute gilt-edged opportunities.”
Gustavus did indeed have numerous scoring possibilities, as it put Martin Luther goalkeeper Caleb King to work early, booting three shots on goal within the first 12 minutes of the game. The Gusties were rewarded a short time later, as Matt Murakami (So., Eden Prarie, Minn.) put Gustavus ahead early when he scored the Gusties’ first goal of the season just 15:31 into the first half.
“Matt Murakami’s goal was a cracker – he ran throughout most of the defense, had a beautiful combination with Patrick Roth – who was excellent all game – on the edge of the box before passing the ball into the bottom corner of the net,” said Middleton. “It was sheer delightful football! I hate to say it, but it was almost [Diego] Maradona-esque.”
Gustavus had to wait longer to earn its second point, with Matt Jacobs (So., Mankato, Minn.) scoring his first career goal in his collegiate debut at the 55:21 mark, giving the Gusties a 2-0 lead that would hold for the remainder of the contest.
“We managed to give a large number of players their debuts, which is always fun,” said Middleton. “Matt Jacobs scored a nice goal in his debut and played very well throughout. Bennett Figueroa also had a good game at the back: a tough, no nonsense and very effective defender, he looks like an excellent addition. Matt Ouren started in midfield and was one of the most outstanding players on the field and it was nice to see such confident performances from first-years Davis Petros, Daniel Barnes, Kyle Monson, Aidan Clemence, David Almaer, Jack Conroy, and Arthur Parens…the future looks bright!”
First-year Anders Severson (Lino Lakes, Minn.) collected his first career win between the posts, stopping the lone Martin Luther shot sent his way to earn the shutout. King suffered the loss for Martin Luther after allowing two goals on 16 shots and making 14 saves.
“Anders Severson debuted in goal, finishing with a clean sheet,” said Middleton. “He definitely has a nice aura about him. He’s confident, talks well throughout to his defense, has lovely hands, and has bags of confidence.”
“All in all, it was an enjoyable first game, certainly the highlight of which was being able to move the ball very nicely,” added Middleton. “All the lads look very comfortable in possession, and it was a solid team performance. We just need to put on our scoring boots for the next game!”
The Gusties will compete in their home-opener this Friday when they play host to St. Norbert College in the first game of the Gustavus Classic at 5 p.m. The tournament’s remaining action will take place on Saturday and Sunday, with St. Norbert taking on Viterbo University on Saturday at 3 p.m. and Gustavus and Viterbo rounding out the round-robin draw on Sunday at 3 p.m. All games will be played on the Gustie Soccer Field.
“We’re looking forward to playing at home this weekend, first against St. Norbert on Friday, who should be very good indeed, and Viterbo on Sunday. With Viterbo being an NAIA school, you never know what you are going to come up against, but we expect that they will provide us with a tough matchup and are looking forward to the challenge.”