SAINT PETER, Minn. - Gustavus men's soccer suffered its first loss of the season Saturday in the MIAC playoff championship game, 3-2 to St. Olaf. The Gusties drop to 15-1-3 overall, while the defending national champion Oles clinch an automatic berth to the NCAA tournament at 14-4-3.
St. Olaf gained the first lead of the game in the 17th minute and held the advantage until the 39th minute.
Reid Wolf sent a pass into the box where
Darren Chukel headed it in for his third goal of the season. The score remained 1-1 at halftime with shots on goal even at 4-4.
The Oles regained the lead in the 61st minute but once again the Gusties responded as
Owen Johnson collected a rebound off a
Joe Flory shot and scored his fourth goal of the season in the 73rd minute. Three minutes later, the Gusties were called for a hand ball in the box, resulting in a penalty kick goal for the Oles, which proved to be the game-winner.
St. Olaf edged Gustavus in shots 17-16 overall and 8-6 on goal.
Egan Bedwell made five saves in his first loss of the season.
Gustavus will now wait to see if it receives an at-large bid to the NCAA Championships. The selection show will air on NCAA.com at 12:30 p.m. Monday.
