Goals by junior forwards Nick Rapisarda and Alex Bernhardt lifted the St. Thomas men’s soccer team to defeat Augsburg College, 2-1, in front of packed sidelines Saturday, Sept. 22, at home.
Both Tommie (5-2-2, 2-0) goals were scored during the first half. Rapisarda scored his sixth goal of the season 16 minutes into the match, and Bernhardt netted home the second with an assist from junior midfielder Macalister Enderson nine minutes before halftime. Enderson’s helper added to his team-leading four assists this season.
Augsburg’s (6-3-1, 2-1) lone goal came with twenty minutes left in the game, but failed late to overcome the Tommies.
Saturday’s game marked the fifth in 11 days for the Tommies and ended a three game winless streak. With the win, the Tommies are one victory away from matching last year’s win total of seven.
Bernhardt said the win helped fuel the team and elevate the team’s spirit for future games.
“I’m happy we got the W (win),” Bernhardt said. “It felt pretty good, honestly, and Augsburg was first (in the conference) coming into the game.”
Rapisarda said the win was one of the most exciting he’s played in since joining the team.
“Ever since I’ve been here, we haven’t beat Augsburg. They’re our biggest rivals beside St. John’s, and I wanted to beat them,” Rapisarda said.
St. Thomas had a 16-9 shot advantage over the Auggies and an 9-3 edge in corner kicks. Sophomore goalkeeper Mitchell Wolff had two saves.
Coach Jon Lowery was proud of the way his team was playing, especially in MIAC games.
“We’ve been through a lot the last week and a half, and we showed a side of ourselves today that is capable of beating a really good team,” Lowery said.
The Tommies travel northwest to take on Concordia-Moorhead Tuesday, Sept. Sept. 25.
“We need to be focused on taking care of the little things, even getting sleep, eating right and getting the right fluids,” Lowery said. “Concordia’s a good team, and if we play well I think we’ll like where it ends.”
Anastasia Straley can be reached at stra0669@stthomas.edu.