MLC men come up short against Morris
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NEW ULM — While Martin Luther College had a chance to tie a Upper Midwest Athletic Conference men's soccer match against the University of Minnesota Morris, the Knights were ultimately unable to come away with the final goal they needed to avoid a 2-1 loss on Saturday.
"Some of it was on me," MLC head coach Nicolas Schmoller said. "They came out in a different formation, and we were outnumbered in the midfield. We made an adjustment in the second half. We did have water breaks here, so I probably should have seen it earlier, adjusted earlier."
MLC had previously fought the Cougars to a 1-1 draw earlier in the season, but Morris was able to come away with the victory in the end.
"They're a very good team," Schmoller said. "They scored on us first last time too and we came back to tie it. You saw the same sort of fight today. They got up, and especially at the end of that second half, we were the more dangerous team. If we could have gotten it earlier, it's maybe different. Part of that is my adjustments, should have made that sooner."
The Cougars scored both of their goals in the first half, one in the 13th minute as Charlie Adams scored on an assist from Jake Anargyros, then Anargyros scored himself soon after in the 16th minute unassisted.
MLC regrouped at the half and held Morris scoreless for the rest of the game, but pushing the ball offensively remained a struggle. The Knights finally broke through as Gabriel Habeck scored on a shot to the bottom left corner, assisted by Jin Lee, in the 86th minute.
"That's what everybody in conference always says about our team, and I believe it too," Schmoller said. "They just have continuation to fight. They cherish the opportunity to play college soccer. Soccer is a fun thing, and they want to make the most of every minute. It does speak to their character and energy and aptitude. It's fun to coach them."
Habeck had a chance to tie the game soon after with a free kick near the goalie box, but the Knights were unable to capitalize as the Cougars held on for the win.
MLC (2-8-3) hosts Bethany Lutheran College on Wednesday.
Staff photo by Ari Selvey
Martin Luther College’s Nicholas Russ saves a penalty kick during an Upper Midwest Athletic Conference men’s soccer match against Minnesota Morris Saturday at MLC.
Staff photo by Ari Selvey
Martin Luther College’s Matthew Nelson advances the ball during an Upper Midwest Athletic Conference men’s soccer match against Minnesota Morris Saturday at MLC.