MONMOUTH, Ill. — Grayson Ogren scored twice, including the game-winning goal in the second half, as the Lawrence University men's soccer team defeated Monmouth College 2-1 Saturday morning at Peacock Memorial Athletic Park.
The Vikings came out looking to establish the attack early, with William Plougmand Mikkelsen recording Lawrence's first shot just eight minutes into the match. Oscar Aronsen and Mikkelsen each added chances during the opening 20 minutes before Lawrence broke through.
In the 24th minute, Ogren was fouled inside the box and stepped to the penalty spot. The Lawrence forward calmly converted the penalty kick to give the Vikings a 1-0 lead.
Lawrence continued to create opportunities following the opening goal. Ogren tested Monmouth goalkeeper Luis Villa in the 26th minute, while Pablo Silveira also put a shot on target that was turned away. Mikkelsen added another shot on frame later in the half as the Vikings continued to pressure the Fighting Scots.
Monmouth eventually found an equalizer in the 39th minute. Owen Murray converted a penalty kick to bring the Fighting Scots level at 1-1.
The teams remained deadlocked through halftime, with Lawrence holding a 7-6 advantage in shots during the opening 45 minutes.
The Vikings continued to push forward after the break. Mikkelsen forced another save from Villa in the 54th minute, and Issac Newcomb narrowly missed with a shot eight minutes later.
Ogren continued to be a focal point of the Lawrence attack. He put a shot wide in the 65th minute before having another attempt blocked shortly afterward.
The pressure finally paid off in the 70th minute.
Ogren collected his second goal of the afternoon, this time with Issac Newcomb providing the assist, to put Lawrence back in front 2-1.
The Vikings then turned their attention to protecting the lead. Monmouth continued to look for an equalizer, but Lawrence's defense limited the Fighting Scots to only a handful of opportunities during the closing minutes.
Cristian Puebla came up with an important save in the 57th minute and finished the match with four saves, helping Lawrence preserve the one-goal advantage.
Lawrence continued to generate chances late as well, with Emiliano Garcia Fadanalli forcing a save in the 72nd minute and Newcomb and Quill Tegenfeldt-Pfohman each having attempts blocked.
The Vikings held on through the final whistle to secure the 2-1 victory.
Ogren finished the match with five shots and three shots on target, while Mikkelsen added four shots with two on frame. Newcomb recorded two shots for the Vikings.
