First-half blitzkrieg guides Morningside to third straight win

ST. CLOUD, MINN. – The upperclassman offensive duo of senior midfielder Moritz Lusch (Bielefield, Germany) and junior forward Robin Thomala (Wisphausen, Germany) made certain a massive week for Morningside University would end on a high note Saturday, Sept. 11.

Lusch, winding up a sparkling eight-point week, posted two goals and two assists, including the eventual game-winner in the 11^th minute. Thomala wasn't far behind, adding two successful offensive strikes to usher out a highlight-reel-worthy three-goal, six-point week.

Head coach Tom Maxon's squad got out of the gate fast and often against the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II St. Cloud State University bunch. Following a home team red card just over four minutes in, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' No. 23-ranked program scored four goals in the opening 20 minutes. Morningside didn't look back en route to a 5-1 win at Husky Stadium, their third straight victory. 

"We are very grateful to St. Cloud for this match," Maxon said. "It was their first home game ever, and they will be on their way to big things down the road. They are in new team mode right now.

"We played a great match overall, though, winding up a big week," he added.

Mside returns to its home pitch at Elwood Olsen Stadium Thursday, Sept. 16, for a rare Thursday matinee against Presentation College, serving as their Great Plains Athletic Conference opener. Start time is approximately 2 p.m.