NEW ULM, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris men's soccer team won its fourth straight game, defeating Martin Luther College 2-1 in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference play Saturday afternoon in New Ulm, Minn.
The Cougars improve to 6-4-2 overall and 4-2-1 in conference play, while the Knights fall to 2-8-3 overall and 1-4-2 in the UMAC. This is the first time the Cougars have won four straight games since the 2014 season, when UMM won seven consecutive games.
Minnesota Morris applied pressure early, with
Luis Mendez recording a shot on goal 80 seconds after the opening kick.
Jake Anargyros tested the goalkeeper a minute later, but his shot was saved. The Cougars opened the scoring in the 13th minute when
Charlie Adams scored his fourth goal of the season in as many games. Minnesota Morris intercepted a pass at midfield and worked the ball forward, with Anargyros and
Angel "Bam" Perez Leon assisting on the goal. Anargyros doubled the lead three minutes later. The sophomore forward battled for possession in the box after a cross, took the ball away from a defender, and converted the shot. UMM totaled 20 shots in the first half, but the score remained 2-0.
Ten minutes into the second half,
Wilbur Reed made a great cut around a defender to get into the box. He was then fouled, earning a penalty kick, but could not convert from the spot. For a stretch, neither team found a quality look on goal.
Dutch Bullock made his first save of the game in the 77th minute. Perez Leon recorded a shot in the final five minutes, but the Knights countered and scored with just over four minutes remaining. In the final minutes, Martin Luther was awarded a free kick just outside the box. Bullock made the save, preserving the 2-1 win for UMM.
Adams extended his scoring streak with his fourth goal in four games, while Anargyros scored his third goal of the season. Perez Leon and Anargyros each added an assist. The Cougars outshot Martin Luther 28-4, with nine shots on target for UMM. Anargyros paced the team with seven shots, including three on target. Bullock made two saves in the win.
The Cougars continue their road trip Tuesday when they take on Crown College at 4:30 p.m.
