SUPERIOR, Wis. — Surrendering three goals in the opening 13 minutes of play, the Augsburg University men's soccer team fell 3-2 at the University of Wisconsin-Superior on Friday. The Auggies generated 19 shots and 14 shots on goal, both more than the Yellowjackets' 14 shots and seven on goal. The Auggies scored twice and held a 13-4 shot advantage in the second half.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Wisconsin-Superior 3, Augsburg 2
LOCATION: SCCU Stadium, Superior, Wis.
RECORDS: Augsburg 5-3-7 overall, UW-Superior 12-3-2 overall
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Auggies fell into an early 3-0 deficit as the Yellowjackets scored three times in the first 12:12, with Seth Davidson finishing each goal. The Auggies generated their first look in the 12th minute when
Caleb Ibarra put a shot on goal, and
Liam Paradiso followed with another saved attempt at 16:55.
Finnur Mercier helped the Auggies keep the margin from growing during a stretch from 17:58 to 24:55, making two saves while the Auggies faced five UW-Superior attacking actions without conceding. The Auggies continued to push for a response with saved shots from
Gio Casias, Paradiso and
Given Aboni, including a corner kick in the final minute, but the Yellowjackets carried the 3-0 lead into halftime.
In the second half, the Auggies opened their response with a 54:32 corner and saved shots by Paradiso,
Eric Riera and Aboni during a stretch that also included a Casias attempt. UW-Superior created pressure in between with two corners and a shot saved by Mercier, but Aboni got the Auggies on the board at 69:31 to make it 3-1. Aboni's goal came following a long service from midfield by
Remus Repcak, with Aboni getting behind the defense and collecting the ball in the 18-yard box to score. The Auggies kept pressing as Ibarra had attempts in the 72nd and 76th minutes, then Casias put three shots toward goal, Ibarra forced another save and Paradiso hit the right woodwork from 80:13 to 83:43. Paradiso scored at 85:11 in front following a service from the left wing by Casias to Aboni.
Aboni scored and added an assist for a three-point outing. Paradiso scored on four shots on goal and finished with five total attempts. Casias recorded an assist and matched Paradiso with five shots, putting three on goal. Mercier made four saves while playing all 90 minutes in goal.
QUOTES FROM AUGSBURG COACH GREG HOLKER
"Apparently, we were still on the bus when the game kicked off and wanted to spot them three goals. It was as disappointing a starting effort as I can recall. That being said, when we took the majority of starters off at the 18 minute mark, the game shifted. Our subs competed and tilted the game in our favor. Unable to get a goal, it was still a significant step forward until we could all connect and reflect at halftime. From that point forward, we were the better team in all facets, creating multiple chances to score. We got to the goal and put chances on frame, forcing a few good saves and hitting a post. We competed much better and stopped kicking the ball to the sky from the back. This allowed us to build through them to establish possession and pin them back in their half. It was much better all around - a very good response to an embarrassing start."
"
Kruz Gabel was tremendous -- man of the match for us. He might have missed one pass, maybe. He looked stronger as the game wore on, quieting any concerns I had about his health. This guy is going to be special.
Liam Paradiso and Giovanni Casias were two players that showed up from the start and competed all the way through. It's no surprise that they contributed to a goal and several other near misses.
Given Aboni provided the hold up play we needed from a #9 up top and calmly scored his chance from
Remus Repcak in the second half. That assist from Remus tied
Mitchel Munzing for third on the all-time list, one behind
Mizael Harris."
"Overall, I have to be pleased with the response. No reason to focus on the beginning. We got better today, as we have every day this year."
UP NEXT
The Auggies host Macalester College in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular-season finale on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. at Edor Nelson Field in Minneapolis.
