WAVERLY, Iowa – Men's soccer fell to Gustavus Adolphus College 3-1 at home in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, Nov. 10. The Knights close the 2023 season with an overall record of 12-2-6.
 
Match Summary

• First Half
  • After two off target Wartburg shots, the Gusties got on the board in the sixth minute after Jack Knight scored after a deflection to make it 1-0
  • Blake Halleran put a shot on goal in the 16^th minute that was saved, but minutes later Curtis Ratzer scored the equalizer to make it 1-1
  • Brennon Woody made a save in the 23^rd minute to keep the match tied
  • Neither team was able to put shots on goal in the next 15 minutes despite having opportunities
  • A penalty was called on the Knights in the 38^th minute that gave the Gusties a penalty kick attempt
    • Otis Anderson netted the attempt
  • Gustavus led 2-1 at the half
• Second Half
  • The Knights defended an early free kick and corner attempt without allowing a shot
  • Neither team was able to control possession in the second half
  • After a scramble for the ball that left the goal unoccupied, Gustavus scored again to make the score 3-1
  • Yushin Gossin had a free kick attempt loop just outside of the top right corner of the net to keep Wartburg at one
  • Both Alima Mmunga and Blake Halleran had shots on goal in the 79^th and 80^th minutes, but both were saved
  • The Gusties held on for a 3-1 win

Top Performers

• Ratzer
  • Goal
  • 90 minutes played
• Mmunga
  • One shot on goal
  • 66 minutes played
• Halleran
  • Three shots
    • Two shots on goal
  • 69 minutes played

 
Notes/Streaks

• Wartburg is now 8-6-2 all-time against Gustavus
  • 1-1 in NCAA Tournament matchups
• Ratzer scored in back-to-back matches
  • Sixth goal of the season
  • Ninth career goal
• Gustavus had a six to four advantage in corner kicks
• Most wins since the 2016 season