STORM LAKE, Iowa – The University of Dubuque men's soccer team delivered a second-half comeback on Saturday, scoring three unanswered goals to rally past the Buena Vista University Beavers, 3-1, and secure its second consecutive conference victory.
The Spartans kicked off against a strong headwind in Storm Lake on Saturday, with winds reaching up to 31 mph making conditions difficult. UD struggled to adjust to the wind throughout much of the first half. In the ninth minute, the Beavers sent a long ball forward that led to a foul inside the penalty area. The Beavers converted the resulting penalty kick to take a 1-0 lead. The Spartans looked to respond for the remainder of the half but struggled to find their rhythm in the difficult wind conditions and break through the Beavers defense. Despite their efforts, UD was unable to find an equalizer before halftime.
The second half was a completely different story, with the Spartans taking advantage of the wind at their backs and keeping the Beavers on the defensive for nearly the entire half. After creating numerous chances, UD finally found the equalizer at 74:04.
Eddie Papis fired a powerful shot into the back of the net to bring the Spartans level at 1-1. Following the equalizer, the Spartans increased the pressure in search of a game-winning goal, and their persistence paid off at 80:45. A long ball was sent into the penalty area, where
Gavin Ehlers sprinted toward it and beat the goalkeeper to the ball, heading it into the net to give the Spartans a 2-1 lead. Following the collision with the goalkeeper, Ehlers remained down on the field for an extended period. We wish him all the best in his recovery. The Spartans added another goal just minutes before the final whistle. At 87:41,
Jameson Carl stepped up to take a free kick and curled a beautiful strike over the wall and into the net to extend the Spartans lead to 3-1. UD remained composed through the closing minutes, protecting its advantage to secure a 3-1 comeback victory and the Spartans second consecutive conference win.
Eddie Papis,
Jameson Carl, and
Gavin Ehlers each found the back of the net to lead the Spartans to a 3-1 conference victory. Carl led the Spartans offensively with seven shots, while senior goalkeeper
Riley Johnson recorded one save. The victory extended the Spartans conference winning streak to two games.
Up Next
The Spartans return to Oyen Field on Tuesday, October 13, looking to keep their momentum rolling and make it three consecutive conference victories. UD will host the Central College Dutch, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
