“I knew I would score” | News, sports, jobs

Photo by Travis Rosenau/The Journal, New Ulm Marshall forward Moo Gay jogs toward the middle of the field after scoring a goal in the Big South Conference boys soccer championship game Tuesday night in New Ulm. The Tigers defeated the Eagles 1-0.

NEW ULM – Even though the New Ulm Eagles edged past the Marshall Tigers on Tuesday night, it only took one of those shots from the foot of Moo Gay to lead his Tigers to victory in the Big South Conference Boys Soccer Championship at New Ulm High School .

Gay's goal came in the 20th minute of the game after a pass from Isaiah Argueta. In a physical title game in which New Ulm outscored Marshall 12-9 in shots on goal, Gay's goal was all the Tigers needed on offense.

“I thought, 'Get ready,' and I knew I was going to score.” Gay said. “But at the same time my hamstring is still injured and I couldn't reach 100%. I wanted to play well, but I couldn't because of my Achilles tendon. But as for the goal, I saw it and I know he saw me, so I'm going through with it. If you know my story, I feel it when I run, but I force it and that’s how we reached the goal.”

That may have been all the Tigers needed on offense, but defense and goaltending were also in high demand, especially late in the game. In the 63rd minute, junior Amoah Jackson set up Ocampo with a pass and a scoring opportunity. Ocampo missed a defender and dribbled past two others before getting into the goal crease and firing a sliding shot that a sliding Marshall goalkeeper Roberto Garcia Lopez couldn't hold on to. However, the shot bounced off the post before being cleared out of bounds.

Finding the post was the story of the game for the Eagles, who hurried to get off every shot they could. When they had another chance in the final minutes of the game, Joshua Shaneman's close-range shot was parried by Garcia Lopez, who covered the ball. Lopez finished the game with 12 saves.

“We had our chances, it bounced off the goal posts a few times.” That's what the new Ulm head coach Tim Plocher said. “Josh shot a phenomenal shot but the goalkeeper just did it, he's a fantastic goalkeeper too. Props to him. They just had to sneak past you, which is unfortunate, but that’s how it is.”

Gay's first-half goal was scored by New Ulm goalkeeper Jens Quist, who also made some impressive saves in the game. However, Gay was just ahead of Quist and managed to shoot the ball into the goal.

Gay said the Big South title means a lot to the team and the school, but he is happier just playing the game and doing what he can to help his teammates.

“For me the sport is fun, I just do my best, have fun and help the team as best I can.” Gay said. “It feels normal, it’s just a normal day. [laughs].”

New Ulm (11-3-1) hosts Mankato East on Thursday to close out the regular season, while Marshall (12-2-2) will have some time to enjoy its conference title as it awaits the Section 2AA playoffs .