st. PETER, Minnesota (KEYC) – The Gusties are back in the Sweet 16 for the first time since the team finished runner-up in 2005.
Gustavus has just scored a thrilling win in the second round of action after making headway thanks to a penalty kick against UW-Eau Claire in the Instant Classic.
“You better prepare for the real fight. Realistically, we could have won the game in regulation. We beat our opponents 22-5 and had a golden chance at the end of the game. To go out and leave that experience and memory behind, not just one player, but everyone has to be under pressure to step up, said Tudor Flintham, GAC men’s soccer head coach. He said:
In all MIAC NCAA Tournament matchups, Gustavus faces St. Olaf, and there’s no scar left from Sunday’s emotional victory.
The season series between the two teams was split 1-1, with St. Olaf winning the MIAC playoff championship game and giving Gustavus plenty of fire.
“We know what we have to do. Watch them win on our field in the MIAC playoffs. I want to do whatever it takes,” said GAC junior forward Rafael Catelin.
“It’s a great match-up and two very good programs belong where we are right now. At the end of this season, every team deserves to be there. And if I had a hunch, it would be the team that makes the fewest mistakes.
Systematically speaking, Gustavus certainly has all the ingredients to win a rubber match between the two teams. The Gusties have averaged more than two goals per game this season, while averaging 0.57 against their opponents.
The team has four players who have scored double-digit points for the season.
“In terms of what the other teams have in store for us, I honestly don’t know what they’re doing because we have four guys who can score every time. It’s like the next man up and there are so many players who can make big plays whether they’re starting or not,” said GAC junior defender Otis. Anderson said.
The Sweet 16 matchup between Gustavus and St. Olaf takes place Saturday at 1:30 PM in Chicago.
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