Devin Schelske, sports editor

Photo of Mens soccer team at the Minnesota United FC match on Aug. 27, taken by Greg Holker

Augsburg Mens Soccer is on pace to have their fifth winning season in a row, excluding the shortened 2020 season. They’re off to a hot 3-0-1 start, outsourcing their opponents 19-4 on the season. The biggest win so far being 10-0 against the Minnesota Morris squad. The Auggies begin conference play on Sept. 2 against Hamline. This matchup resulted in a 4-0 stomping in favor of the Auggies.

In 2022, conference play was where the Auggies seemed to have their only struggles. All three of their losses and four out of five ties came against conference opponents. “When we play against teams in the MIAC, it’s always going to be a tough battle. You can’t count out any team because of how talented some of their players are and how talented their coaches are” said senior Goalkeeper Oscar Herrera.

If the mens soccer team is going to get to the playoffs and win the conference title, they’ll need to get through the most challenging conference foes, Gustavus and St. Olaf. Last season, they were the most dominant teams in the conference but were both unable to beat Augsburg. The Auggies handed out hardfought ties to both teams in 2022.

Fans that plan on coming out to Edor Nelson Field to watch the Auggies should keep an eye out for current leading goal scorer and co-assist leader junior Kebba Janneh. Janneh was the only player to score in the first game of the season at Linfield which resulted in a 2-2 tie and has continued to pour on the offense in each of the team’s three wins. Another player to watch is defender and team captain senior Drew Collins. Collins has earned several awards throughout his four previous seasons with the Auggies including 2022 United Soccer Coaches All-Region and All-MIAC honors. Some newer players to keep an eye on are the infusion of youth the Auggies picked up out of Portland, Oregon, sophomores Mizael Harris and Mitchel Munzing. Harris has two goals through four games and is the other co-leader of assists with a total of four. Munzing is one goal behind the team leader Kebba Janneh with four and has three assists.

Augsburg Mens Soccer has an opportunity to have an outstanding year. Their loaded roster is ready to put the heat on their opponents and prevail against elite conference competition. Fans should expect the team to continue winning in high-scoring fashion as they look to make a deep playoff run with a strong chance at playing in a title game.