SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s soccer team hosted their final conference game of the season against the Macalester Scots and took a 3-0 win, closing out the season 14-4 and 8-2 in the MIAC which proves solid #19 in the country and ties second in the conference.
“We started really fast today, which was pleasing to see,” said Head Coach Tudor Flintham. “We put a ton of pressure on their back line and created some beautiful scoring chances. Jumping out to a 3-0 lead against a team like Macalester is a rare thing so we need to remember what we did well and keep looking to get at teams early. We honestly kept the pass pretty high and got some more good looks.”
Gustavus got out to a fast start with 3 early goals in the 1st half. The scoring was opened by Alex Krumenauer (Fy., St. Michael) who beat the goalkeeper at the near post from 12 yards out after a nice bit of combination play between Sam Just (Fy., Lakeville) and Ethan Miller (Fy., St. Cloud).
The Gusties added second goal to double their lead off of a direct free kick from Matthew Gibbons (Sr., Minneapolis) who went up and over the wall into the top left corner.
The scoring would be rounded out by Jared Hecht (Fy., Apple Valley) after Gibbons sent a corner kick into the middle of the 6 yard box for Hecht to finish from close range.
“But the only thing missing in the second half was a bit of composure and a simple finish. Overall we are happy though. Another clean sheet is also a big bonus. With finally getting our defensive unit back playing together after some forced changes, we feel much more confident about limiting opponents looks at goal. Wesley, Jared, Sam, Otis Anderson (So., Minneapolis) and Ethan Glissendorf (So., Sioux Falls, S.D.) were all really solid today. It’s a quick turn around depending on how games finish this evening, so we just need to maximize our recovery and go again.”
The Gusties continued to control the game in the second half but failed to add to their tally, missing several big chances. A solid defense and Wesley Sanders (So., Urbandale, Iowa) remained strong and keep the Scots off the board.
The Gusties will host Saint John’s on Monday at 11:30 in the MIAC Quarterfinals.