University of St. Thomas Athletics
Saturday, October 30
St. Paul, Minn.
1:00 p.m.
3-11-2, 2-4-0
2
vs
1
Kansas City
3-7-3, 2-2-1
1
2
3
F
Kansas City
1
0
0
1
St. Thomas (MN)
0
1
1
2
Photo by: Christopher Mitchell
Photo by: Christopher Mitchell
Photo by: Christopher Mitchell
Photo by: Christopher Mitchell
Photo by: Christopher Mitchell
Photo by: Christopher Mitchell
Photo by: Christopher Mitchell
Photo by: Christopher Mitchell
Photo by: Christopher Mitchell
South Field stunner: Men's Soccer wins third in row to close season
10/30/2021 7:02:00 PM | Men's Soccer
St. Thomas fought from behind to defeat Summit League opponent Kansas City on Saturday as it took a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory to close out its season on a winning streak.
The Tommies (3-11-2 overall, 2-4 Summit) went 3-0 over their final eight days of tghe season. They secured two Summit League wins -- after being projected to finish last in a preseason poll -- also picked up a big road win against Milwaukee earlier this week. Although the Purple graduate a remarkable class of seniors (Niklas Martensson, Jake Makela, Sam Holton, Halvor Houg, George Marty, Jack Barry, and Josh Grzesiak), the future is bright for Tommie Men's Soccer.
From kickoff, it was clear that the game was going to be a tough and physical battle. Both teams were playing all out, with 36 fouls and six yellows awarded between them. Attacking pressure was high on both sides, with each team sending twenty-three shots a piece.
Kansas City scored during the 33rd minute to take the lead. It remained unanswered until the 84th minute, when junior Wes Lorrens connected with a free kick from sophomore Connor Aksoz and headed the ball into the back of the net. After scoring the equalizer, Lorrens wasn't done. During the 100th minute, junior Jacek Nickowski served the ball to freshman Charlie Holton. Holton set up an opportunity that Lorrens finished to secure the Tommies' victory.
The offensive aeriel threat brought by Lorrens was not the only part of the Toms' dangerous attack. Senior Josh Grzesiak helped keep offensive pressure high by winning the ball in our attacking third and making solid runs to create chances. Fellow seniors Sam Holton, George Marty, and Jack Barry assisted in this effort by working hard both offensively and defensively. They were smart, relentless, and created prime opportunities for St. Thomas.
The Roos (3-7-2) had a threatening offense, but the Toms' defense demonstrated once again their ability to play strong and composed when facing such intensity. Junior Isaac Eckroth contributed to back line by making significant tackles and forcing turnovers that led to many great counter attacking opportunities. Senior Halvor Houg had several outstanding blocks and clears, making him an assertive and unwavering presence as a centerback.
Senior Niklas Martensson was in goal for the Tommies. His continually vocal presence aided his team in navigating difficult moments, including protecting the goal from all six corners faced. There were several moments late in the match where Kansas City fired multiple shots in succession. Martensson and the defense denied all of those chances, keeping St. Thomas in the game. Martensson played tough and sharp, adding five other big saves for the Toms.
This was the last game of the season for the men. They secured two Summit League wins after being projected to finish last in a preseason poll. They also picked up a big road win against Milwaukee. Although they graduate a remarkable class of seniors (Niklas Martensson, Jake Makela, Sam Holton, Halvor Houg, George Marty, Jack Barry, and Josh Grzesiak), the future is bright for Tommie Men's Soccer.
Head coach Jon Lowery on the game: "Today was a great testament to the belief in our program, and I couldn't be prouder of the trajectory we are on. It was a special day for Tommie Soccer, but bittersweet as we're going to miss the seniors. Our guys are becoming more dangerous every day. No matter who we play or where we play, this program doesn't stop winning."
The Tommies (3-11-2 overall, 2-4 Summit) went 3-0 over their final eight days of tghe season. They secured two Summit League wins -- after being projected to finish last in a preseason poll -- also picked up a big road win against Milwaukee earlier this week. Although the Purple graduate a remarkable class of seniors (Niklas Martensson, Jake Makela, Sam Holton, Halvor Houg, George Marty, Jack Barry, and Josh Grzesiak), the future is bright for Tommie Men's Soccer.
From kickoff, it was clear that the game was going to be a tough and physical battle. Both teams were playing all out, with 36 fouls and six yellows awarded between them. Attacking pressure was high on both sides, with each team sending twenty-three shots a piece.
Kansas City scored during the 33rd minute to take the lead. It remained unanswered until the 84th minute, when junior Wes Lorrens connected with a free kick from sophomore Connor Aksoz and headed the ball into the back of the net. After scoring the equalizer, Lorrens wasn't done. During the 100th minute, junior Jacek Nickowski served the ball to freshman Charlie Holton. Holton set up an opportunity that Lorrens finished to secure the Tommies' victory.
The offensive aeriel threat brought by Lorrens was not the only part of the Toms' dangerous attack. Senior Josh Grzesiak helped keep offensive pressure high by winning the ball in our attacking third and making solid runs to create chances. Fellow seniors Sam Holton, George Marty, and Jack Barry assisted in this effort by working hard both offensively and defensively. They were smart, relentless, and created prime opportunities for St. Thomas.
The Roos (3-7-2) had a threatening offense, but the Toms' defense demonstrated once again their ability to play strong and composed when facing such intensity. Junior Isaac Eckroth contributed to back line by making significant tackles and forcing turnovers that led to many great counter attacking opportunities. Senior Halvor Houg had several outstanding blocks and clears, making him an assertive and unwavering presence as a centerback.
Senior Niklas Martensson was in goal for the Tommies. His continually vocal presence aided his team in navigating difficult moments, including protecting the goal from all six corners faced. There were several moments late in the match where Kansas City fired multiple shots in succession. Martensson and the defense denied all of those chances, keeping St. Thomas in the game. Martensson played tough and sharp, adding five other big saves for the Toms.
This was the last game of the season for the men. They secured two Summit League wins after being projected to finish last in a preseason poll. They also picked up a big road win against Milwaukee. Although they graduate a remarkable class of seniors (Niklas Martensson, Jake Makela, Sam Holton, Halvor Houg, George Marty, Jack Barry, and Josh Grzesiak), the future is bright for Tommie Men's Soccer.
Head coach Jon Lowery on the game: "Today was a great testament to the belief in our program, and I couldn't be prouder of the trajectory we are on. It was a special day for Tommie Soccer, but bittersweet as we're going to miss the seniors. Our guys are becoming more dangerous every day. No matter who we play or where we play, this program doesn't stop winning."
Team Stats
MKC
UST
Goals
1
2
Shots
23
23
Shots on Goal
6
9
Saves
5
5
Corners
6
4
Fouls
15
21
Scoring Plays
Hugo Von Reis (2)
Assisted By: Edson Murguia
GOAL by MKC Von Reis, Hugo Assist by Murguia, Edson.
32:24
Wes Lorrens (3)
Assisted By: Connor Aksoz
GOAL by UST Lorrens, Wes Assist by Aksoz, Connor.
83:20
Wes Lorrens (3)
Assisted By: Charlie Holton , Jacek Nickowski
GOAL by UST Lorrens, Wes Assist by Holton, Charlie and Nickowski, Jacek.
99:34
Game Leaders
Shots
7
SOG
4
Goals
2
Assists
0
Shots
4
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
3
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
1
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Players Mentioned
D
/ Men's Soccer
D
/ Men's Soccer
D
/ Men's Soccer
F
/ Men's SoccerD
/ Men's Soccer
D
/ Men's Soccer
D
/ Men's SoccerD
/ Men's Soccer
GK
/ Men's Soccer
M
/ Men's SoccerF
/ Men's SoccerMen's Soccer
Saturday, October 29
Men's Soccer vs. Kansas City
Saturday, October 30
Men's Soccer vs. Omaha
Saturday, October 23
Men's Soccer vs. Oral Roberts
Saturday, October 02
