Bottum puts Men's Soccer back on top

ST. PAUL - The No. 3-ranked St. Thomas men's soccer team (1-0-0) used Shae Bottum's goal four minutes into the second overtime to outlast St. Norbert, 2-1 in its 2017 season opener. Freshman Jacob Makela assisted on the winning score.

Coach Jon Lowery's Tommies went 6-0-3 last season in overtime games and carried that karma into the start of this season.

Transfer Justin Oliver's first-half goal, assisted by Bottum, gave the Toms a 1-0 lead with 26:24 remaining in the opening frame. After a shot by Bottum was saved and deflected out in front, Oliver, playing in his first game as a Tommie, put it away.

The Green Knights answered midway through the second half. St. Norbert was awarded a penalty kick at the 67:35 mark, which it took advantage of when Seth Boldt burried his first collegiate goal to tie the game.

St. Thomas created chances, including a corner kick opportunity in the final two minutes, but nothing came of them as the two teams went to overtime.

After a scoreless first overtime, Bottum connected in the second extra period. After a long ball was sent into the box, a touch from freshman Jacob Makela put the ball on Bottum's left foot. The senior captain picked his spot and tucked it inside the left post to boost the Purple to victory.

The Tommies outshot the Green Knights 13-8, including a 9-3 advantage on goal. Aidan Hogan had two saves in net, while his counterpart, Josh Koleske, tallied seven saves in the loss.

St. Thomas will be back in action again on Sunday, when it hosts Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at 12:00 noon at South Field.

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Team Stats

Shae Bottum

Justin Oliver

Jacob Makela

Christian Elliehausen

University of St. Thomas Athletics