DUBUQUE, Iowa – The University of Dubuque men's soccer team delivered a dominant second-half performance on Tuesday, scoring five unanswered goals to rally from an early two-goal deficit and defeat the Central College Dutch, 5-2, at Oyen Field. The victory marked the Spartans third consecutive conference win and extended their unbeaten streak to six games.
The first half got off to a difficult start for the Spartans, as the Dutch scored twice in the opening 20 minutes to take a 2-0 lead. UD responded in the 35th minute when
Luka Tomic delivered a free kick into the penalty area at 34:27, where
Andre Elinoff got a foot to the ball and redirected it into the net to cut the deficit to 2-1. The Spartans continued to push for an equalizer before halftime, creating dangerous opportunities through long throw-ins and additional free kicks, but were unable to find another goal before the break.
The Spartans came out with renewed energy in the second half, applying pressure and pushing the Dutch back into their own half. At 55:43, Tomic delivered another dangerous set piece, sending a free kick into the penalty area where
Ryder Syverson rose above the defense to head the ball into the net and level the match at 2-2. The goal marked Syverson's first of his collegiate career.
Just over a minute later, at 57:05, the Spartans completed the comeback.
Jameson Carl found space in front of the goalkeeper and finished the opportunity to give UD a 3-2 lead, with Elinoff credited with the assist. Carl struck again at 64:26 to extend the advantage.
Jake Polacek collected the ball near the goal line just outside the penalty area and delivered a sharp cross into the box, where Carl beat a Dutch defender to the ball and finished for his second goal of the night and eighth of the season.
The Spartans continued to press forward and added a fifth goal at 76:46. Senior defender
Aidan Kongtahworn found himself in front of goal and calmly finished the opportunity to record the first goal of his collegiate career, extending UD's lead to 5-2. With the match firmly in hand, the Spartans managed the closing minutes, giving several players valuable playing time while allowing key contributors to rest ahead of the upcoming schedule. UD completed the comeback with five unanswered goals to secure the 5-2 victory.
Carl led the Spartans with two goals, while Elinoff finished with a goal and an assist. Syverson and Kongtahworn each added a goal, and Tomic recorded two assists. Polacek also contributed an assist. In goal,
Riley Johnson made four saves as the Spartans earned their third consecutive conference victory.
Up Next
The Spartans will return to Oyen Field on Saturday, October 17, to host Nebraska Wesleyan University. UD will look to extend its conference winning streak to four games, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
