Second half surge gives men's soccer MIAC opener

Hamline (5-0, 1-0 in the MIAC) trailed before senior Jacob Helling tied the game at 2-2 at the 48:09 mark of the second half. It was Helling's fifth goal in as many games. He has netted a goal in every game for the Pipers this season.

Just over nine minutes later, first-year Elvi Gacaj netted his second of the season to give the Pipers a lead they would not relinquish.

The game started with fireworks as the team's traded goal in the first three minutes. At the :56 mark, Todd Stachura gave the Cardinals (3-3, 0-1) a 1-0 lead.

The Pipers knotted the score at 2:52 on a Matt Warhol goal. Junior Jason Engedal assisted on Hamline's first two goals of the contest.

Mike Schmitt scored at 32:40 to give St. Mary's a 2-1 lead at halftime.

The Pipers, who are ranked 10th in the West Region, outshot the Cardinals 17-14 in the contest and held a 12-8 advantage in shots on goal.

Hamline goalkeeper Andrew Clement made six saves for the win. Ryan O'Connor had nine saves in the loss.

The Pipers will host Augsburg Saturday afternoon at Pat Paterson Fields. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.