Lusch leads Morningside to pivotal conference victory

FREMONT, NEB. – Needing to rebound from midweek heartbreak against a crosstown rival, Morningside University turned to a senior leader Saturday, Oct. 16.

Midfielder Moritz Lusch (Bielefield, Germany) proved a menace to the host Midland University defense over 99 minutes and seven seconds, especially in the final clock tick at Heedum Field. He took a pass from sophomore midfielder/forward Victor Beker (Amsterdam, Netherlands) and rocketed it into the Warriors' net to decide a Great Plains Athletic Conference thriller. The two sides were separated by the one goal on the scoreboard, a 2-1 Mustangs' win, one total shot (14-13), and two shots on frame (6-4).

Lusch worked up six total offensive strikes and half of Morningside's on-goal attempts. Not only did he collect his 10^th career game-winning score, but he also opened the attack with an unassisted goal in the 54^th minute. Junior forward Robin Thomala (Wisphausen, Germany) joined in the offensive highlights with three shot attempts, two of which were on goal.

Junior goalkeeper Bjarne Huth (Bad Vilbel, Germany) earned his 28^th career victory. He tallied three saves to move to 170 over his two-plus seasons at Mside.

The Mustangs, moving to 9-5 overall and 6-3 in the GPAC with their fourth triumph in the last five outings, remained just a half-match behind Hastings College for a tie third on the league chart. They continue a three-match road trip visiting Viterbo University of Wisconsin in non-conference action Thursday, Oct. 21.