MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris men's soccer team took a lead into halftime but saw Hamline University put three in the back of the net in the second half of a 3-2 defeat to the Pipers on Monday afternoon at Cougar Field.
With highs in the mid-to-upper 90s, a sluggish match could have been expected, but both teams buzzed around the pitch throughout much of the day. Hamline had the upper hand early in the contest, but the Minnesota Morris defense stood firm and more than 20 minutes went by before
Nick Isensee was called into action to make a save, his only one of the first half.
In the 33rd minute, the Cougars pounced on some nonchalant passing from the back line of the Hamline defense.
Will Marsan picked up the ball in the final third and chipped a pass ahead to
Carter Watkinson who beat an out-of-position Luke Rimington to give Minnesota Morris a 1-0 lead.
The Pipers came out firing in the second half, hitting the post within two minutes of the restart and then tying the match at 1-1 in the 54th minute of play on a shot from the edge of the penalty area following a corner kick. Hamline continued to force the issue as the match neared the hour mark and were rewarded with another goal in the 59th minute for its first lead of the day.
Though the Cougars hadn't had much of the ball in the second half, they were able to take advantage of a set-piece situation in the 63rd minute after a Hamline yellow card. Watkinson put in a great ball from the left wing and
Cade Simonson outmuscled a cluster of Piper defenders at the back post to nod home and make it 2-2.
As the weather began to take more of an effect on the teams, chances became fewer and fewer as the minutes ticked by. Hamline finally was able to produce something in the 79th minute and ended up with the game-winning goal when Ryder Tomlinson Sterud scored from 20 yards out following a free kick. Minnesota Morris had one more opportunity to tie the match, but a Watkinson shot was saved by Rimington in the final five minutes to preserve the Piper victory.
Watkinson finished four shots (three on goal) with a goal and an assist. Isensee was credited with five saves on the afternoon.
Minnesota Morris is home again on Wednesday at 4 p.m., hosting Concordia College (Minn.).
