Jackson Gerber, Staff Writer

In just their sixth MIAC postseason playoff appearance in program history, the Augsburg Men’s Soccer team will compete for its third MIAC title in the last 10 years. The fifth seeded Auggie’s defeated fourth seed St. Thomas on Tuesday and then upset top seeded Gustavus on Wednesday.

110 minutes was not enough to decide a winner on Tuesday against St. Thomas, with neither team finding the back of the net in regulation or overtime. The game officially ended as a 0-0 tie, so a penalty-kick shootout decided the winner. Junior goalkeeper Garrett Kaelin, who is having an outstanding season, had three consecutive saves to lead the Auggie’s to victory as they won the shootout 3-2. Lionel Vang, Taylor Sullivan and Christian Metzger were successful in their shootout attempts while Peyton Boich and Daniel Hedstrom were denied by the Tommie goalkeeper.

Although there was no shootout, Wednesday’s game against Gustavus was equally dramatic. Augsburg was outshot 18-2 and only put one on goal, but one was all they needed. In the 37th minute Metzger sent a free kick into the box and defender Daniel Hedstrom converted it into his seventh goal of the season. Augsburg’s defense was able to withstand a late charge from Gustavus to complete the upset and advance to the championship game.

The Auggie’s will travel to Northfield to face two seed Carleton in the MIAC Championship on Saturday at 1 p.m.

This article was originally published in the Nov. 2, 2018 issue. 

Men’s soccer players defender Hsinku Lay (21) and midfielder Kou Seng (24) pictured above, as Seng fields the ball. Photo by Jim Pfeffer.