DECORAH, Iowa — The Gustavus men's soccer team played to a 1-1 draw Monday night at Luther in a non-conference regional matchup. The Gusties move to a record of 5-3-5 overall.
The two teams battled to a 0-0 deadlock through the first half, with only one shot on goal apiece through the first 45. After the break, the Norse struck first, breaking the scoring silence just four minutes into the second half. Luther sent a cross into the box, finding a diving Ethan Ducklow who tucked the ball behind Gustie keeper
Wesley Sanders.
About 10 minutes later, it was offensive juggernaut
Jared Hecht to even the score, tallying his fifth goal in four games. The Gusties maintained offensive pressure following a free kick, sending a loose ball past the Norse defense to Hecht in the box, who tapped in a low shot for the equalizer. The Gusties had a last-second chance for the lead, taking a corner in the final six seconds of the game, but the ball was headed out of play.
"Luther is a great team and a really challenging place to play," said Head Coach
Tudor Flintham. "We created a ton of goal scoring opportunities and just weren't clinical or calm enough in the final action. There is also the fact that we didn't start the game as quickly as we should have. We felt like we wasted the first half and didn't really spark into life until they scored. We have to learn that lesson and know that intensity in our play is a non negotiable. When we work together with a passion and clarity of play, we are fantastic, but consistency is obviously the key and we need to learn this lesson fast heading down the stretch. It doesn't get any easier as we head into a really busy few weeks against some quality sides."
Sanders made one save between the pipes in the draw. Hecht led the way with two shots on goal, while
Raphael Cattelin and
Rivaldo Pena accounted for the Gusties' other two on target. Gustavus outshot Luther 17-6 overall.
Gustavus now prepares for its final non-conference match of the season, hosting Bethany Lutheran Thursday.
