Forward Christian Ellihausen steals the ball from Auggie defender Emmanuel Egbujor. Elliehausen had one assist in the game. (Esmee Verschoor/ TommieMedia)
Midfielder Will Kidd heads the ball away from Auggie midfielder Ebesa Hamid. Kidd scored one goal this game assisted by forwards Tyler Oliver and Christian Elliehausen. (Esmee Verschoor/ TommieMedia)
The Tommies celebrate after midfielder Shae Bottum scores St. Thomas’ first goal of the game from a corner kick. (Esmee Verschoor/ TommieMedia)
Forward Tyler Oliver fights for possession of the ball. Oliver attempted two goals and had one assist this game. (Esmee Verschoor/ TommieMedia)
Midfielder Shae Bottum steals the ball during an Oct. 24 game against Augsburg. Bottum was one of three Tommie men’s soccer players to receive a public reprimand from the NCAA. (Esmee Verschoor/ TommieMedia)
Midfielder Walter Alvarado loses possession of the ball. The Auggies fought hard to come back from their two-point deficit but could not score against the Tommies. (Esmee Verschoor/ TommieMedia)
Midfielder Alex Schnobrich prepares to steal the ball from the Auggies. Schnobrich has started in every game with the Tommies so far this year. (Esmee Verschoor/ TommieMedia)
Two Tommies collide with an Auggie as they chase after the ball. (Esmee Verschoor/ TommieMedia)
Midfielder Shae Bottum and his opponent watch as an attempted shot misses the goal. (Esmee Verschoor/ TommieMedia)
Midfielders Shae Bottum and Will Kidd each scored in the first half Tuesday at home as the St. Thomas men’s soccer team continued its undefeated streak in the conference, defeating Augsburg University 2-0.
The game remained highly competitive throughout the first half for both the Tommies (9-0-0 MIAC and 16-1-0 overall) and the Auggies (3-5-1 MIAC, 8-8-1 overall). Due to heavy wind, both teams had to be prepared for gusts and off-target shots.
“It’s a tough Augsburg team to play at the same time with the wind and the elements,” coach Jon Lowery said. “It just goes to show you what an experienced group we have that’s getting the results.”
The Tommies relied on their defense to lead the team as both sides went back-and-forth throughout the game. The St. Thomas defense allowed only four shots on goal, all of which were saved by keeper Aidan Hogan.
“This game was very, very tough,” forward Christian Elliehausen said. “We had to be a little more defensive (and let) them have the ball more, which created a lot more running across the forward.”
“We had to focus on more defense, especially our forwards,” defender Evan Potter said. “They have been really helping out on the defensive side.”
The Tommie forwards were crucial in maintaining space for the midfielders to help defend against the Auggies.
“Their discipline out there has really been helping us out,” Potter said. “They created space for our midfielders to attack.”
Lowery said the win over the Auggies was a good preview of what the Tommies will face in the playoffs.
“We are up for that challenge; we wanted to find battles and find pockets to play,” Lowery said. “All of that together is a good recipe for postseason play.”
Tuesday’s win secured a tie for the MIAC championship, giving the Tommies their second regular-season title in as many years. The last time the Tommies finished atop the MIAC in back-to-back seasons was in 1977 and 1978.
The Tommies face Bethel Saturday on the road for their final game of the regular season.
MacKenzie Bailey can be reached at bail7757@stthomas.edu.