ST. PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s soccer team generated a number of scoring chances late in the game Sunday against Knox College, but was unable to net the equalizer as the visitors walked away with a 1-0 victory. The loss drops the Gusties to 0-3 overall, while Knox moves to 2-0 and is named the Gustavus Classic champion.
“Top performance today against a really good team,” Head Coach Mike Middleton said. “I said we had a really tough non-conference schedule; I was not kidding. We played really well today, and that’s our third game in four days after a tough preseason. The teamwork, drive and togetherness to put in a performance like that was astounding. This really sets us up provided the lads can get over the disappointment of another tight one. That’s the question; bounce-back-ability. We need to be mentally strong and realize that this is all for a reason: to make us better.”
The Prairie Fire put on heavy pressure throughout the first half with 10 shots compared to three by the Gusties, but at the break the game was scoreless. Knox nearly scored the first goal of the game in the 36th minute as a bouncing ball got past the keeper, but Davis Petros (So., Apple Valley, Minn.) made a last-second block as he kicked the ball over the top of the goal and out of play.
Knox scored what proved to be the game-winner in the 63rd minute as a crossing pass from the right side came into the box and the goal was made off a header.
The Gusties fought to the end and nearly tied the game twice in the final minutes. Patrick Roth (Sr., Stillwater, Minn.) nearly knocked in a header off a free kick in the 85th minute and with 1:25 left in the game Roth had another good look but his shot was saved by the keeper.
“I was really pleased with all the players’ performances,” Middleton said. “I hate to highlight anyone, but freshman Jarod Petrovic (Plainfield, Ill.) started his first game, and was awesome. As was sophomore David Almaer (Plymouth, Minn.), also starting his first ever game. They controlled large swathes of the game. And Dan Barnes (So., Lund, Sweden) at the back was top-class. His central defensive partner in only his second game John Anderson (Jr, Maplewood, Minn.) was excellent. He’s as tough as nails, as witnessed by blood all over his shirt at the end.”
Gustavus outshot Knox 10-9 in the second half, but the Prairie Fire totaled 19 shots in the game compared to 13 by the Gusties.
“We looked much more solid on defense, and after conceding three goals from corners yesterday, we managed to cure that particular problem,” Middleton said. “You cannot dominate possession, but concede at set-plays, but we got it sorted. We looked pretty good going forward as well, and once had chances to win the game.”
Anders Severson (So., Woodbury, Minn.) took the loss in goal after making four saves.
Gustavus next hosts Martin Luther at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
“We have a game on Wednesday, at home once again, and then its off to Maryland to play two really, really tough teams,” Middleton said. “That will be another stern test. No point playing around though; these lads need experience and they are getting it as quickly as we can provide it. Don’t bother looking at the record, that’s completely irrelevant. This is effectively our preseason.”
2016 Gustavus Classic All-Tournament Team
Knox: Justin Dunn, MVP, Philippe Graske CB, Kendall Davidson LM, Erick Karkut CB, Lucas Sanchez CM
St. Scholastica – Kirk Garrity, Armin Bobaric, Kyle Farrar, Josh Robak
Gustavus: Daniel Barnes, Arthur Parens