Men's Lacrosse shuts down MSOE in MLC home victory

MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia University Wisconsin played a strong defensive game en route to a convincing 17-3 home victory over MSOE during Midwest Lacrosse Conference play on Thursday at Fitting Field.

CUW (3-2, 2-0 MLC) limited the Raiders to just five shots in the first half and won 13-of-15 faceoffs during the first two quarters, which set the tone for the rest of the game. Despite being whistled for nine penalties, they held MSOE to 0-for-9 on man-up opportunities.

The Falcons led 5-0 after the opening quarter and 13-0 at halftime before allowing the first of two MSOE goals in the third period. CUW finished with a 27-10 shots on goal advantage, 38-13 lead in ground balls and cleared 19-of-22 attempts. In all, 12 players finished with at least a point for the Falcons and all four goalies that dressed saw action.

CUW began the game by scoring 13-consecutive goals, which included goals 26 seconds apart by senior Peter Morton (Albany, Ga.) and Derek Brueske in the second period.

Junior David Mueller (Prior Lake, Minn.) tallied a career-high three goals and Brueske (junior, Hopkins, Minn.) added three goals and two assists of his own. Senior Sam Wladyka (Winnipeg, Manitoba) finished with a goal and three assists, while junior Matt Larsen (Gurnee, Ill.) recorded two goals and an assist.

Senior Kyle Burrell (Calgary, Alberta) finished career-high-tying eight ground balls and caused four turnovers. Sophomore Danny Bundra (Lake Zurich, Ill.) won 17-of-21 faceoffs and picked up five ground balls, while sophomore Mark Wilson (Calgary, Alberta) scooped up four ground balls.

Registering their first career goals were freshmen Ryan Wagoner (Lake Zurich, Ill.) and James Warner (Ham Lake, Minn.). Warner also connected for a career-best three assists.

Sophomore Thomas Mueller (Prior Lake, Minn.) earned the save between the pipes after playing the first half and making two saves. The trio goaltending group of senior Zack Davis (LaPorte, Ind.), freshman Matthew Erickson (Antioch, Ill.) and freshman Nick Hepting (Kingwood, Texas) combined for six saves in the second half.

MSOE goals were scored by Andrew Clemens and Jesus Arguelles.

CUW returns to action on Saturday for a 12 p.m. home MLC contest against Hanover College at Fitting Field.