Written by Ali Selvey
magazine sports writer
NEW ULM — Northland University earned a shutout victory over Martin Luther University, 2-0, in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference men’s soccer action on Saturday.
The first chance to score went to Nathan Pausma, but the hit attack was cleared by the Northland defense. Northland took the lead with 31:46 left in the first half when Victor Vankauteren put the ball into the back of the net. Zachary Pausma followed with three nice saves on Northland’s next three attacks. Nathan Pausman also had a chance at the other end of the pitch, but his shot into the top right corner of the goal was blocked by an athletic dive from Northland keeper Jamie Colville with 18 minutes left in the first half. MLC had another chance to score late in the second half with a free kick just outside the box, but Jake Wilhauer’s shot was saved by Colville.
Early in the second half, MLC’s Johannes Bulman had a chance to score with a pass into the box, but his shot went wide of the left corner. Colville also made a great save from Nathan Pausma’s free kick.
With 28 minutes left in the game, Northland earned a penalty for a foul in the box, but the shot was saved by diving Zachary Pausma, keeping the score at 1-0. However, Northland’s next shot found the back of the net, giving them a 2-0 lead that they held until the end of the game.
MLC (3-10, 1-7) travels to play Bethany Lutheran University on Wednesday.