by Noah Grant/Sports Director/@noahgrant_23

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – With only four matches left in the regular season, the St. Cloud State men’s soccer team was fighting for its playoff life Wednesday. The Huskies entered the afternoon tied for the final playoff spot in the GLIAC, facing an uphill battle against the top-ranked Roosevelt Lakers at Husky Stadium.

Coming off a 3-3 draw Sunday, St. Cloud State found the back of the net in the 16th minute. Santi Martin played a ball toward the top of the penalty area, where it fell to King Dwumah Acheampong after a failed clearance by the Lakers. Acheampong buried the shot, tallying his fourth goal of the season and his second in as many matches.

The Lakers responded late in the first half. In the 40th minute, a corner kick spun into the Huskies’ penalty area and ricocheted toward Fynn Mewes. His shot was deflected into the net by teammate Matti Pickel to even the score.

Possession was nearly even as the teams headed into halftime. St. Cloud State held a 3-2 advantage in shots, with two of the Huskies’ attempts and one of the Lakers’ shots on target.

The second half featured chances at both ends of the field. The Huskies committed 13 fouls, setting up numerous free kicks for Roosevelt. The best chance came off the foot of Mewes, who fired a shot from around 23 yards out, but the attempt sailed over the crossbar.

St. Cloud State regained the lead in the 86th minute. After a rush upfield, Jovan Koceski cut inside and powered a shot into the upper corner for the go-ahead goal. It was Koceski’s first NCAA goal.

Roosevelt was unable to answer in the final minutes, as the Huskies held on for a 2-1 victory.

SCSU improves to 2-5-2 in GLIAC play with three matches remaining. The Huskies return to action Friday, traveling to face Northern Michigan. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Photo credit: SCSU Athletics