<ugh the wind howled and sky threatened to pour out its wrath on those assembled at Bell last Saturday, the men’s soccer team calmly and coolly guaranteed themselves a spot in the NCAA Championships with a penalty kick shootout victory over Augsburg.
As the only team that had defeated the Knights all year, Augsburg represented a special challenge for the defending MIAC Champions. This year’s battle centered mainly in the midfield, where Ross Hamilton ’10 and Paul Pedtke ’09 did well to control the tempo of the game and dictate play. However, effective possession remained out of reach for both teams, and the score remained knotted at 0-0 by the end of regular time.
Following a short break, the teams once again resumed play, with increased intensity and determination to score the game-winning overtime goal. Augsburg created most of the offensive opportunities, and net-minder Pete Semmer ’11 was forced into several spectacular saves as he kept the back of the net clean. Semmer was given MIAC Player of the Week honors for his spectacular saves in the match. Carleton’s defense also played an effective match, with Jack Boller ’09 and Robert Carlton ’10 administering crushing tackles to those who dared penetrate the Knight’s defensive half.
Despite the increased tempo of the game, neither squad was able to break the deadlock and penalty kicks were needed to decide the match. Bobby Phillips ’09 started the scoring with a solid strike into the left side of the net. A small window of opportunity was opened when Augsburg’s first kick caromed off of the crossbar and bounced over the top of the goal.
With some of the pressure off, the Knights responded with three straight goals by Brian TenHoor ’09, Joe Lindner ’09, and Lyndon DeSalvo ’10. With the outcome of the game hanging in the balance, Hamilton confidently strode to the line and stroked home the winning shot to send the home fans into a frenzy as they rushed the field to celebrate with their players.
The Knights received a first round bye in the NCAA Championship and will face the winner of the Wartburg-UW Platteville game this Sunday at 2 p.m.