SAINT PETER, Minn. – Despite playing some of its best soccer of the year, the Carleton College men's soccer team saw its season come to an end with a 3-2 loss to No. 4-ranked Gustavus Adolphus College in the semifinals of the MIAC Playoffs. The Knights (12-5-3)—who were making their conference-record 17th consecutive trip to the MIAC Playoffs—were on the front foot for much of the match, out-shooting the Gusties (15-0-3) by a 27-12 margin, owning an 11-5 edge in corner kicks, and holding a 60-40 edge in possession time.
 
"It's hard to articulate in the moment the sting that the team feels after pouring everything into today's game and the finality of the result," said Carleton head coach Bob Carlson. "But, I'm so pleased for this group. The guys were exceptional."
 
Ben Pennell was millimeters from giving the visitors the lead in the 21st minute. His blazing shot from 27 yards was well out of the reach of Gustavus goalkeeper Egan Bedwell and clanged off the inside of the right post. Somehow the ball stayed out, denying Pennell a golazo, and the Gusties were eventually able to clear.
 
The Knights kept up the pressure and were nearly rewarded in the 27th minute. Briggs Priem found Jonathan Vonderlage on the counterattack, and the latter cut back and beat the goalie with a right-footed strike. A Gustavus defender raced in front and deflected the ball wide of the net.
 
"We just needed to convert one of those opportunities," Carlson said.
 
Carleton goalkeeper Leo Kugel, who go the starting assignment after Daniel Linder sustained a season-ending injury earlier in the week, made a great save of a close-range free kick in the 29th minute to keep the game scoreless. It was the first of his three stops on the day. At the other end of the field, Egan Bedwell smothered Willan Shrock's golden opportunity to break the tie in the 39th minute.
 
Coming out of intermission, Gustavus All-American Jered Hecht muscled his way to a pair of goals in the first four minutes. His first score came after a turnover as he bodied his way into the box before tucking a shot into the far corner. In the 50th minute, he leapt over and through a Carleton defender in order to head home a service from Rivaldo Pena.
 
Gustavus widened its advantage on the scoreboard to 3-0 in the 67th minute as Joe Flory finished off a counterattack.
 
"Gustavus are so darn good and were clinical in front of goal to start the second," said Carlson. "But, after that, our group simply willed themselves back into the game."
 
The Knights cut into the deficit with Owen Flanagan's 71st minute goal. Dylan Fox-Arnold sent the ball into the 18-yard box as the Gustavus backline tried to step up. That allowed Flanagan to sneak in behind the defense, collect the pass from Fox-Arnold, and tuck his 26th career goal into the left side of the net. Flanagan is now tied for fourth in Carleton history for career goals (see charts below).
 
Pennell made it one-score game in the 88th minute, heading home a beautiful cross from the corner by Blake Jones. It was Pennell's 23rd career goal, moving him into a tie for 10th in program history (see chart below).
 
The Knights were unable to convert an 89th-minute free kick just outside the box, and the nationally-ranked Gusties escaped to advance to play St. Olaf College in the MIAC Playoff finals on Saturday.
 
"I've been doing this a long time, and that was a remarkable comeback that fell agonizingly short," Carlson said. "Ben and Owen's two goals and then several other gut wrenchingly close chances proved our guys' grit and talent and belief. This team has grown on so many levels from August until now and clearly playing their best down the stretch. Today included—in fact especially today—their fluid creative movement and togetherness shined in every way but the final score.
 
"A coach cannot ask much more of this group of seniors and leaders. They invested so much, and as I told them they invested their talent, their minds, and most signifincantly their heart and soul into the team. They leave a legacy of success and most importantly a legacy of care, dedication, community, and commitment to their teammates and to Carleton Men's Soccer."
 
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
4. 26 – Owen Flanagan – 2021-present
6. 25 – Yemi Adegunju – 2001-04
7. 24 – Ron Sanders – 1962-64
7. 24 – George Monyemangene – 1985-88
7. 24 – David Watson – 2002-05
10. 23 – Ken Tape – 1995-98
10. 23 – Ben Pennell – 2022-present
 
Most Career Points in Carleton Men's Soccer History
1.  103 – Tim Wills (35g 33a) – 2008-11
2.  99 – Branden McGarrity (41g, 17a) – 2012-15
3.  78 – Bobby Phillips (28g, 22a) – 2005-08
4.  72 – David Watson (24g 24a) – 2002-05
5.  66 – Marco da Cunha (26g 14a) – 2018-21
6.  65 – Owen Flanagan (26g 13a) – 2021-present
7.  62 – George Monyemangene (24g 14a) – 1985-88
8.  59 – Ken Tape (23g 13a) – 1995-98
8.  59 – Ben Pennell (23g 13a) – 2022-present
10.  58 – Will Corcoran (20g 18a) 2010-13
 
Most Points in a Season in Carleton Men's Soccer History
1.  42 -- Branden McGarrity (19g 4a) -- 2012
2.  34 -- Simon Ginet (12g 10a) -- 2012
3.  33 – Ben Pennell (13g 7a) – 2023
4.  32 – George Monyemangene (13g, 6a) – 1987
5.  30 – Owen Flanagan (12g 6a) – 2024
6.  28 – Tim Wills (7g 14a) – 2009
6.  28 – Tim Wills (10g, 8a) – 2010