ST. PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s soccer team shut out Macalester College 2-0 Saturday afternoon at Gustie Soccer Field during the regular season finale to earn the No. 2 seed and a first round bye in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Playoffs.
On senior day, senior Alex Wilson (Ashland, Wis.) opened the scoring for the Gusties, heading in a Matt Gibbons (Fy., Minneapolis, Minn.) corner kick to tally his second game-winning goal in as many games and his fourth of the season.
“What an excellent first goal from Wilson, who is really playing well,” Head Coach Mike Middleton commented. “And, a great ball from Gibbons to set up that chance.”
Gustavus outshot the Scots 6-4 and 3-2 in corner kick opportunities, taking the 1-0 lead into the intermission.
Macalester fired back in the second half, but to no avail as Gustie goalkeeper Matt Bateman (Savage, Minn.) made three saves in goal for his second-straight shutout and sixth of the season and Will Richards (So., Hudson, Wis.) scored his second goal of the season with help from Kyle Monson (Jr., Verona, Wis.) to give the Black and Gold a 2-0 cushion at the 82nd minute.
“The team is not only playing well, but really working hard for the performances,” Middleton said. “We are now 9-2 in the last eleven games, and the lads are flying. A second place finish in the MIAC betters last years 3rd place. Now we have to refocus on the playoffs. It’s great to get a bye in the first round, and to host the play-off game is a real bonus. We need to enjoy the win, but also be able to put it aside to concentrate on the play-offs. And, as I keep on saying – you know what happens to hotdogs!”
Gustavus concludes the regular season with a 13-5 overall record and a 7-3 mark during league play. After receiving a first round bye, the Gusties will host a semifinal matchup Wednesday, Nov. 1. Learn more HERE.