NORTHFIELD, Minn. – The Carleton College men's soccer team headed into the postseason on a positive note, racing past Saint John's University by a score of 4-1.
With the win, Carleton (11-4-3, 6-4-0 MIAC) earned the No. 5 seed in the conference postseason tournament, and will begin their conference-record 17th straight MIAC Playoffs run at No. 4 seed Bethel University.
"I'm really honored and grateful to have coached this group of seniors," said Carleton head coach
Bob Carlson. "They are exceptional citizens and people, dedicated and talented scholars, and accomplished players on the pitch. From winning a conference championship in one of the most memorable afternoons to being ranked No. 4 in the country last year to building momentum for the playoffs this year, this group has come a long way with much more to come.
"Individually and collectively, they have contributed to continuing the program's legacy of academic and soccer excellence. Each in their own unique way, they have embraced their leadership role as seniors."
The Knights outshot the Johnnies (6-8-1, 3-6-1 MIAC) by a 19-7 margin, topping the visitors 10-2 in shots on goal. Saint John's did take five corners to Carleton's two.
In the 16th minute,
Jonathan Vonderlage found himself alone at the penalty spot, but was denied by an excellent save from goalkeeper Evan Siefken. Carleton kept the pressure up, and in minute 28,
Hays Turner picked out
Owen Flanagan, who glided into space and unleashed a shot into the bottom corner for his 11th goal of the season.
Flanagan won a penalty six minutes later, but his spot-kick was saved by a diving Siefken. The Knights went into the half up 1-0 but doubled their lead in the 56th minute when
Ben Pennell's shot was rebounded across the face of goal, where
Briggs Priem leapt onto it and tapped into an open net.
Carleton made it three when
Willan Schrock nutmegged one defender and was dragged down by another to draw a penalty. Pennell's initial try was saved once again by Siefken, but the rebound went right back to the junior, who finished for his fourth goal in as many games.
The Knights went to their substitutes, and
Luke Brown got his goal of the season in spectacular fashion. The junior won the ball on the right flank and drove into the box, then was forced back and hit a shot on turn. The ball spun up and over the Siefken into the top corner to make the score 4-0.
The Johnnies got one goal back late, executing a counter-attack ending with forward Cooper Nowak placing a half-volley on the run into the back of the net.
Pennell finished with four shots on goal to lead the team. Turner's assist was his team-high seventh of the season. Flanagan's goal was his 11th of the year and 25th of his career. Both marks are top-10 in the Carleton record books (see charts below).
Evan Siefken made six saves for the Johnnies, including the two penalty stops.
Up Next for the Knights
Carleton kicks off its postseason journey with a quarterfinal match at Bethel on Monday, Nov. 4. The game is set to begin at 2:00 P.M.
Most Career Goals in Carleton Men's Soccer History
1. 41 – Branden McGarrity – 2012-15
2. 35 – Tim Wills – 2008-11
3. 28 – Bobby Phillips – 2005-08
4. 26 – Marco da Cunha – 2018-21
5. 25 – Yemi Adegunju – 2001-04
6. 25 – Owen Flanagan – 2021-present
7. 24 – Ron Sanders – 1962-64
7. 24 – George Monyemangene – 1985-88
7. 24 – David Watson – 2002-05
10. 23 – Ken Tape – 1995-98
Most Goals in a Season in Carleton Men's Soccer History
1. 19 -- Branden McGarrity -- 2012
2. 15 – Ron Sanders – 1963
3. 13 – Mario Small – 1967
3. 13 – George Monyemangene – 1987
3. 13 –
Ben Pennell – 2023
6. 12 – Simon Ginet – 2012
7. 11 – Ken Tape – 1998
7. 11 – Branden McGarrity -- 2013
7. 11 – Marco da Cunha – 2018
7. 11 – Owen Flanagan – 2024
11. 10 – Are Aristides – 1981
11. 10 – Bobby Phillips – 2006
11. 10 – Tim Wills – 2010
11. 10 – Tim Wills – 2011
