By Kristina Press, Gustavus Sports Information
SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s soccer team is set to compete in the NCAA Championships Saturday as it takes on Dominican (Ill.) in the first round, hosted by Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. The Gusties and Stars kick off at 5:30 p.m., which follows Luther vs. Knox at 3 p.m. The two winners face each other at 5 p.m. Sunday.
GUSTIES IN THE NCAA TOURNEY
Gustavus is making its 12th NCAA tournament appearance and first since 2014. In the 2014 national tournament, Gustavus defeated Dominican 1-0 in the first round in Dubuque, Iowa. David Lilly scored the lone goal of the game with 12 minutes left in the match. In a defensive battle, the Gusties outshot the Stars 9-7. The following day, the Gusties lost to host Loras 2-0 in the second round.
SCOUTING THE GUSTIES
Gustavus enters the NCAA tourney 14-3-1, going 8-1-1 in conference play and 6-2 in non-conference matches. The Gusties average 2.17 goals per game and 16.7 shots per game. Matt Gibbons leads the team with 25 points on seven goals and 11 assists. Arthur Parens leads the team with 10 goals for a total of 20 points. Anders Severson has played in 15 of the 18 matches and has a save percentage of .857 and a 0.61 goals against average.
SCOUTING THE STARS
Dominican University has a record of 14-5-1, finishing 8-3 in conference play and 6-2-1 in non-conference. The Stars average 2.70 goals per game and 18.5 shots per game. Isaac Perez leads the team with 32 points on 10 goals and 12 assists. Daniel Dominquez has played in net for 19 out of the 20 matches and has a .785 save percentage and a 0.95 goals against average.
SCOUTING THE NORSE
Luther College stands with a record of 16-3-1, finishing 6-1-1 in conference play and 10-2 in non-conference. The Norse average 2.40 goals and 17 shots per game. Ben Keller leads the team with 25 points, recording 10 goals and five assists. Bruno Colon leads the team with six assists. Carson Davenport has started in net in each of the 20 matches with a .750 save percentage and a 0.78 goals against average.
SCOUTING THE PRAIRIE FIRE
Knox College has an overall record of 16-4-1, finishing 8-1 in conference play and 8-3-1 in non-conference games. The Prairie Fire average 2.10 goals per game and 18.7 shots per game. Nick Janulis leads the team in points and goals, with 19 points and nine goals. Pedro Moura leads the team with five assists and has a total of seven points. Justin Dunn has played in net for 19 of the 21 matches and has a .828 save percentage and a 0.54 goals against average.