WINONA, Minn. – No. 7 Gustavus men’s soccer continued its winning ways Wednesday night, picking up its fourth straight shutout in a 2-0 victory at Saint Mary’s. The Gusties remain undefeated at 7-0-2 overall and 4-0-0 in the MIAC, while the Cardinals drop to 3-5-2 overall and 0-3-0 in the league.
Gustavus had multiple scoring opportunities in the first half and outshot the Cardinals 9-0, but was unable to convert for a goal, resulting in a scoreless game through halftime. The offensive pressure finally paid off for the Gusties in the 52nd minute as Alex Krumenauer (Jr., Otsego) scored what proved to be the game-winning goal with the help Raphael Cattelin (Jr., Edina) and Jared Hecht (So., Apple Valley). Less than four minutes later, Hecht and Rivaldo Pena (Fy., Rochester) contributed on Krumenauer’s second goal of the game and team-leading fifth this season.
“Alex was fantastic all game long and the two goals were well deserved,” Head Coach Tudor Flintham said. “But again we played really well and had a lot of guys at a high level today. We are happy and any time you can get three points on the road and a clean sheet you have to walk away feeling good about the day.”
The Gustie offense proved to be potent on the attack with 14 shots on goal and 10 corner kick opportunities, but the defense was just as effective, limiting the Cardinals to just one shot on goal and two corners. Wesley Sanders (Sr., Urbandale, Iowa) made the one stop he faced for his seventh clean sheet this season.
“We played really well today against a very well coached and drilled team,” Flintham said. “They came out and really caused us issues in terms of us getting the looks we usually like. Saint Mary’s know us well and we’re prepared. Then their keeper played really well and we for sure could have been more clinical in the box. But, we kept our composure when frustration could have sunk in at halftime. We stayed calm and together, and because of that we keep generating chances and ultimately put the game away.
“Also, again you have to give a shout out to the defensive effort. Wes is first in the country for clean sheets right now, but he’s the first one to give credit to Ethan Glissendorf, Nate Rouaud, Sam Just, Mason Gilliand, Carlos Robles, and all the guys who are blocking shots, denying crosses, pressing deliveries, and all those things that go into keeping teams out of your box.”
Gustavus travels to UW-Whitewater on Sunday for a non-conference matchup starting at 5 p.m.