COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Gustavus men’s soccer team faced off against Pacific Lutheran University on Monday winning 3-1. With the win, the Gusties move to a 1-2 record.
“We set this beast of a schedule for a reason,” said Head Coach Tudor Flintham. “We knew we’d be playing the top teams in multiple regions, and we wanted to get tested. “We could have very easily come out of this weekend 3-0, but the reality is that today was the first time that we gave a complete team performance… 11 guys always fighting together, and now the boys know exactly what it takes. The best teams in the country compete, stay focused, and stay together for the full 90 minutes. “
Gustavus entered the game going shot for shot against the Lutes. Newcomer Egan Bedwell (Fy., Milwaukee, Wis.) proved consistent, setting the tone in the net with five saves. At the seventeen minute mark, Cole Schwartz (Sr., Jakarta, Indonesia) connected on a pass to Matthew Gibbons (Sr., Minneapolis), Gibbons went one on one against a Pacific Lutheran defender and found lower right corner for the Gusties to take a 1-0 lead. Both teams brought solid defense as the match remained a one goal game at the end of the first half, with shots even 5-5.
Thirteen minutes into the second frame, off of a long throw-in flicked to the back post Owen Johnson (So., Apple Valley) made a shot to the top left corner of the net with assists being credited to Finn Dowling (Fy., Chaska) and Gibbons. Ten minutes later, with the ball sent into the box Ethan Miller (Fy., St. Cloud) passed to Raphael Cattelin (Jr., Edina) making a sliding play for the third and final Gustie goal. The Lutes responded with a goal of their own at the 23 minute mark, but Gustavus came away with the 3-1 win after major defensive performances.
“It’s hard to single players out today because it was a real full team effort. But Jared Hecht (Jr., Apple Valley) was possibly the best player on the pitch in both games… but he along with our defensive unit, Otis Anderson (Jr., Minneapolis), Ethan Glissendorf (Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) and Sam Just (So., Lakeville) were excellent today. They just don’t give up goals in the run of play. ”
Bedwell was credited with the win, making seven saves and allowing one goal.
“We’re happy with the finish to the weekend. We are a far improved team because of the experiences of the last week. But we have another massive weekend coming up against two more of the best teams in the country.”
The Gusties are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Luther for a 3 p.m. contest.