University of St. Thomas Athletics
Hamline
Men's soccer drops 2-1 decision to Hamline
10/4/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
The St. Thomas men's soccer team dropped its first MIAC contest of the season to Hamline University on Saturday afternoon in St. Paul. The Tommies scored first, but the Pipers came back to score a pair of unanswered goals on their way to a 2-1 victory. With the loss, St. Thomas falls to 7-4-0 overall and 3-1-0 in the MIAC, while Hamline improves to 4-6-1 overall and 1-3-0 in league play.
After recording three shots in the first half, the Tommies got on the scoreboard first in the 42nd minute. Junior Matt Bouche put away a header for his third goal of the season. The goal was assisted by freshman Connor Young and gave UST the 1-0 lead near the end of the first half.
Hamline was quick to strike back, scoring just 21 seconds later. Francisco Guzman scored unassisted at 41:40 to tie the game 1-1 heading into halftime. It was Guzman's first collegiate goal.
"The game changed in a moment," said Head Coach Lowery. "We weren't necessarily playing our best, but we got the goal late in the first half and felt pretty good about where we stood. Hamline came right back and scored to tie the score within a minute and changed the entire course of the game."
The Pipers scored again in the 66th minute when Abbai Habta scored his second goal of the year. Habta received assists from Victor Lara and Tyler Tallaksen. The goal proved to be the game-winner, as it gave Hamline a 2-1 lead that would not be relinquished.
Although the Tommies pressed on, they could not come up with the equilizer. St. Thomas had its chances, forcing the ball deep in Piper territory, but to no avail in the one-goal loss.
For the game, UST outshot Hamline 9-6, including a 4-3 advantage in shots on goal.
Tommie goalkeeper Mitchell Wolff faced three shots on target, saving one in the loss. He drops to 7-3-0 on the year. His counterpart, Hamline's Derrick Mora saved three of the four shots on goal he faced and improves to 4-3-1.
"I give a lot of credit to Hamline," stated Lowery. "They played well, stuck with it, and found a way to get the win. The good thing is we are back at it tomorrow."
St. Thomas will be back in action again tomorrow afternoon on South Field. The Tommies host UW-Oshkosh for a 12:00 p.m., start.
