University of St. Thomas Athletics
9-7-2, 4-4-2MIAC
Augsburg
5-11-2, 3-6-1MIAC
Men's soccer defeats Augsburg, earns playoff bid
11/1/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
ST. PAUL – With MIAC playoff hopes on the line, the St. Thomas men's soccer team came from behind twice to capture a thrilling 3-2 win over Augsburg in double overtime on Saturday afternoon at South Field. Freshman Christian Elliehausen scored a pair of goals, including the game-winner in 107th minute.
With the win, the Tommies improve to 9-7-2 overall (4-4-2 MIAC) and clinch the sixth and final seed in the MIAC Playoff field. They will travel to Northfield on Tuesday, Nov. 4th to take on third-seeded Carleton College in the MIAC Quarterfinals. That game is currently scheduled for a 11:30 a.m., start.
Augsburg got on the scoreboard first and took a 1-0 lead into halftime. Scott Clinton scored his second goal of the season in the 37th minute on a cross from Bobby Kohl. The goal was one of two shots on goal in the opening half for the Auggies.
St. Thomas wasted little time tying the game in the second half. Just over five minutes after the break, Miles Stockman-Willis took a pass from Mark Heydt at the top of the box and finished to score his seventh goal of the year.
The Auggies answered in the 73rd minute to regain the lead. Sam Connor scored his first goal of the season thanks to an assist from Jeremiah Strand to take the 2-1 lead.
The Tommies found the equalizer once again in the 81st minute. Freshman Christian Elliehausen scored his third goal of the year to tie the game at two apiece. Miles Stockman-Willis registered the assist on the play.
Neither St. Thomas nor Augsburg threatened offensively for the remainder of regulation and the two squads went to overtime.
The Auggies had a chance early in the first overtime with a shot that hit the post in the opening minute of the extra period. However, it was the best chance either team would have, as a second overtime was needed to decide a winner.
The second overtime belonged to the Tommies, who notched the game-winning goal in the 106th minute. Pierce Erickson started the play by giving it up to Christian Elliehausen at the top of the box. Elliehausen had a one-on-one opportunity with a chance to put the game away; an opportunity he made the most of.
Elliehausen's second goal of the game and third of the game gave the Toms the 3-2 win and sent them into the 2014 MIAC Men's Soccer Playoffs.
"I'm really proud of our young team for finding a way to win after trailing twice in the game today," stated Head Coach Jon Lowery. "For me, it was a classic. Augsburg played very well and dominated possession, and we countered well at times. In particular, the game winner was executed flawlessly and we look forward to a playoff appearance."
For the game, a total of just 13 shots. The Tommies held the slight advantage with an 8-4 edge, including a 4-2 advantage in shots on target.
St. Thomas will now travel to Northfield, Minn., on Tuesday, Nov. 4th when it takes on Carleton College at 11:30 a.m., in the quarterfinals.
Lowery finished, "It wasn't how we predicted our season would go but we found a way and now have new life in the postseason."
Team Stats
Scott Clinton (2)
Assisted By: Bobby Kohl
Pass across the box
36:23
Miles StockmanWillis (7)
Assisted By: Mark Heydt
3 dribbled across top of box, pass to 10
50:24
Sam Connor (1)
Assisted By: Jeremiah Strand
GOAL by Augsburg College Sam Connor, Assist by Jeremiah Strand, goal number 1 for season.
72:51
ChristianElliehausen (3)
Assisted By: Miles StockmanWillis
GOAL by St. Thomas ChristianElliehausen, Assist by Miles StockmanWillis, goal number 3 for season.
80:52
ChristianElliehausen (4)
Assisted By: Pierce Erickson
Pass across the top of the box, 1 on 1 s
106:37
