Duluth, Minn. –The Saint Scholastica Men's soccer team hosted the Norse of Luther College in another non-conference match up. Today's bout on Kenny Harkins Field concluded with the Norse closing the match out with a score of 6-0. 

How it Happened

First Half
From the opening whistle, the Saints showed energy in the attack. Fabian Andrade (Quito, Ecuador/Colegio Intisana) tested Luther's back line with a shot in the 12th minute, while Gabriel Marchesoni (Surrey, Canada/) followed with an attempt in the 19th to keep the Norse defense alert. The Saints also forced two early corner kicks, signaling their offensive intent.

Goalkeeper Ben Hallberg (Princeton, Minn./Princeton HS) stood tall throughout the opening frame, turning away multiple dangerous looks, including a point-blank save in the 10th minute and another big stop in the 20th.

Despite Luther finding the net twice before halftime, St. Scholastica continued to press. Parker Chastey (Duluth, MN/Denfeld HS) and Lucas Bollback each fired shots late in the half, with Bollback forcing a save and Chastey narrowly missing the top corner. By the break, the Saints trailed 2–0 but had grown into the match.

Second Half
The Saints came out of halftime on the front foot, with Ted Barker (Huntingdon, England/) nearly pulling one back in the 46th minute and Alexander Estrada-Cortez (Richfield, MN/Richfield HS) and Patrick McDonnell (Andover, England/) both testing the keeper minutes later. McDonnell's strike in the 53rd minute was saved low at the post, one of several quality looks for the Saints.

Defensively, Hallberg and later Afonso Silva (Lisbon, Portugal/) (1 save) faced a relentless Luther attack, but the Saints continued to counter with sharp passing and substitutions that brought fresh energy. Andrade, Chastey, and Vasco Carneiro (Lisbon, Portugal/) sparked chances in the midfield, while late efforts from Kiki Schmitz (Meerbusch, Germany/) and Fabian Andrade (Quito, Ecuador/Colegio Intisana) kept Luther's defense busy to the final whistle.

By the Numbers

• Shots: Saints 14 (5 on goal), nearly matching Luther's 19 attempts.

• Corners: 4 for St. Scholastica

• Goalkeeping: Hallberg (4 saves) and Silva (1 save) combined for five stops.

• Defensive Standouts: Patrick McDonnell (Andover, England/) and Lucas Bollback each registered shots on frame.

What's Next
The Saints (0-1-1, 0-0 MIAC) will travel across the border to Waukesha, Wis., to take on the Pioneers (1-1) of Carroll College on Friday, September 5. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.