Gusties nip men's soccer in MIAC Finals

In a scoreless first half, Gustavus (17-2-1) held a 6-3 advantage in shots, but only managed one shot on goal in the first 45 minutes. Hamline (12-5-2) had a good scoring opportunity late in the half, but Jacob Helling's shot from 12-yard out sailed over the cross bar.

The Gusties drew first blood at 54:52 in the second half when Flynn Stewart-Franzen scored off a throw in. He was assisted on the play by Mike Butterworth and Matt Broin. Gustavus took a 2-0 advantage when senior midfielder Dan Suchy scored at the 60:03 mark.

Gustavus held a slim 14-8 advantage in shots in the contest, including a 6-4 edge in shots on goal. Hamline goalkeeper Andrew Clement made four saves in the loss. Tyler Garry made four saves for Gustavus to earn his 14th shutout of the season.

The Pipers made their second straight appearance in the MIAC Playoffs this season, finishing fourth with a record of 5-3-2 in conference play. Hamline defeated top-seeded St. John's in the MIAC Semifinals on Tuesday.

In the Pipers last two seasons, they are 21-10-5 overall. Before the 2005 and 2006 seasons, Hamline did not have a winning record in conference play since 1980.