Heartbreaker in Northfield

The Luther Men's Soccer team had another tough road battle at St. Olaf College in Northfield Minnesota on Wednesday evening. After losing 3-2 to the Ollies in overtime last year, the improved Norse looked to get in the win column with a retributive victory at St. Olaf. It was a fairly even match, with the Norse seeing more of the ball but continuing to give away dangerous set pieces in their own half. St. Olaf did not look like they were going to score unless it was on one of these free kicks, unfortunately Luther did not look dangerous either. They played the first half 0-0 and it looked as if one goal would win the game.
Luther looked to take advantage of their increased depth and get on the board in the second half. When Saul Rosales beat two players just outside the box near the corner flag, it looked like a great chance until he was fouled. Ont he free kick, a great ball was played into the danger area but no Luther player was able to get on the end of it and St. Olaf made a quick counter attack. With the team forward for the free kick, our defenders were caught out and had to recover quickly. A missed clearence and a missed tackle and St. Olaf played the ball in behind our defenders. The St. Olaf forward beat our keeper to the ball and put a deft chip over his head and the Ollies had the goal that would end up winning the game.
This young Luther team still has a lot to learn, but the coaching staff are doing their best to keep spirits high and stay focused on what we are trying to do: that is develop soccer players and win. We open our 2009 home schedule Firday night at 7:00 PM against Division II Upper Iowa University, another tough opponent. The boys are no stranger to playing against athletic scholarship caliber programs, and hopefully the tough away schedule will pay off Friday night.