SAINT PETER, Minn. – The No. 19 nationally ranked Gustavus Adolphus College men's soccer team opened their season at home on Friday afternoon against the University of Chicago Maroons. Lightning strikes resulted in the game being called early with the Gusties taking a 2-1 victory over the Maroons.
 
The Gusties opened the scoring in the 22^nd minute as Sam Kaeding shook a defender in the corner and fired a shot that went between two more Maroons and past the keeper into the back of the net for the first Gustavus goal of the season.
 
Just four minutes later, Kaeding scored again to put the Gusties up 2-0. Ryder Tomlinson and Joe Flory both earned assists on the goal with a pair of great passes to set up Kaeding's shot.
 
In the 31^st minute, UChicago scored to cut the Gusties' lead down to one goal.
 
In the second half, lightning strikes caused the game to be delayed with 34:27 remaining. Play resumed an hour later, but then another round of strikes cased the game to be paused again with 18:42 to go. Because the game was past the 70th minute, NCAA rules resulted in the game being called with Gustavus taking the 2-1 victory.
 
"Upon the last lightning delay in the 72nd minute, both coaches had hoped to complete the match tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m.," said Gustavus head coach Tyler Oliver. "Unfortunately, due to NCAA rules, that is not allowed after the 70th minute. I am really proud of our team's first half performance today. Second half left some things to be desired especially considering being up a man. Winning a game with 18 minutes left on the clock leaves a sour taste in your mouth as a competitor."
 
Up next for the Gusties is a home game this Sunday, August 31 at 11:00 a.m. against Pacific Lutheran University.