SAINT PETER, Minn. – Raphael Cattelin (Jr., Edina) broke a scoreless draw with just 1:16 left in the match Wednesday, propelling the Gustavus men’s soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Hamline while claiming the MIAC regular season championship. The No. 5-ranked Gusties, now winners of 17 MIAC regular season titles, improve to 12-0-4 overall and 8-0-1 in the MIAC.
Gustavus tilted the pitch to its attacking third for nearly the entire first half, producing multiple scoring chances, but was unable to score and the game remained 0-0 through 45 minutes. The Gusties outshot the Pipers 17-3 in the first half.
The second half continued to be dominated by the Gustie offense with a 17-1 shot advantage for the home squad. The pressure finally paid off with 1:16 left in the game as Hamline misplayed a clearing attempt in its own defensive end, which was sent forward by Alex Krumenauer (Jr., Otsego) to Cattelin just outside the 18. Cattelin took a step and struck a goal past Piper keeper Ethan Schauer, who made a number of impressive saves throughout the game. Schauer finished with 11 saves, while his counterpart, Wesley Sanders (Sr., Urbandale, Iowa), made three saves for his ninth shutout of the season. Gustavus outshot Hamline 34-4 in the game and had an 8-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Gustavus closes out the regular season Saturday afternoon at Macalester before opening the MIAC playoffs next week. As the No. 1 or 2 seed, the Gusties receive a first round bye and will host the No. 3, 4, 5, or 6 seed at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Gustie Soccer Field.