COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. - The Gustavus men's soccer team made a statement on Saturday afternoon, topping No. 20 Saint John's, 2-0, in the MIAC opener for the Gusties.
Saint John's had not given up a goal this season coming into the game, but the senior duo of
Leo Runestad (Northfield, Minn.) and
Joe Flory (Whitchurch, England) changed that, scoring a goal each to top the Johnnies and earn three points.
In the 30th minute, after the Gusties were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area due to an off the ball foul, Gustavus made it count to take the lead on the Johnnies. Sophomore forward
Kieran Mahan (Wayzata, Minn.) fired a left-footed shot that was tipped onto the crossbar and Runestad tapped it home. Before the goal was scored, both teams had one shot on goal and a flurry of other shots, but Runestad was the one who was able to give Gustavus an early advantage.
The second half brought five shots on goal for the Gusties, topping Saint John's, who had four. Gustavus also held a small advantage in corner kicks, 3-2, but the Gusties found their second goal in the run of play. In the 77th minute, junior
Henrry Abarca-Gonzalez (Des Moines, Iowa) played a ball that bounced between a few Saint John's players that Flory was able to pounce on. The wet turf made the ball skid past and Flory found the ball and was able to pick out his spot to double the lead. After the goal, the defensive unit for the Gusties did not allow another shot on goal, securing the win.
Gustavus held a slight advantage overall with nine shots on goal to the home team's seven but defended eight corner kicks well compared to their seven. The highly-contested matchup lived up to its bill with 35 total fouls and six yellow cards.
The turnaround will be short for the Gusties, who take on UW-Stevens Point at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the Gustie Soccer Field.
