Jackson Gerber, Staff Writer

Augsburg Men’s Soccer opened up MIAC play last week, getting two big wins against Bethel and Saint Mary’s.

The Royals led going into the half but would not score again as the Auggies responded with seven second-half goals. Junior Captain Daniel Hedstrom started off the scoring barrage with a header in the 47th minute to tie the game. Augsburg then got goals from freshmen Ethan Poppen and Nick Zuchowski to take a 3-1 lead. It took awhile for the Auggies to find the net again but speedster Manni Egbujor scored the fourth goal of the game off of a beautiful give-and-go from Lionel Vang. Augsburg would score three more: one from Abdullah Alshayba and two from James Gagnon to secure the rout of the Royals. Goalie Garret Kaelin recorded only four saves. The seven goals by Augsburg matches a season high.

The Auggies then traveled to Winona to take on Saint Mary’s last Saturday. Augsburg got out to an early 1-0 lead on a goal by Lionel Vang, his first of the season. St. Mary’s would tie it up in the 87th minute to force the game into overtime. It took just six minutes for the freshman standout Nick Zuchowski to seal the deal for the Auggies as they emerged victorious 2-1. Kaelin continued his strong form in goal with nine saves.

Augsburg will have two games this weekend. They take on Gustavus in St. Peter on Saturday and then at Martin Luther College on Sunday.

This article first appeared in the Friday, September 28 edition of The Echo.

Defender Taylor Sullivan of men’s soccer. Photo by Jim Pfeffer.