Game Summary
WINONA, Minn. — In a season with few highs, and far too many lows, the Saint Mary's University men's soccer team approached Saturday's season finale from two different directions.
First, the Cardinals were determined to give their four graduating seniors —
Brian Reddish (Crystal Lake, Ill.),
Brent Anderson (Maple Grove, Minn.), Jim Callinan (Cottage Grove, Minn.) and
Bob Endemann (Woodridge, Ill.) — the type of send off they deserved.
And second, the Cardinals wanted to make sure that the memory they carried through the entire off season was a pleasant one — not a repeat of the nightmares that have plagued SMU throughout the 2004 season.
And when the final horn sounded Saturday, the Cardinals had achieved their goals — in both directions.
Reddish and Anderson both had a goal and an assists, Endemann posted a career-ending, eight-save shutout, and the Cardinals created a memory that would keep them smiling for months to come, as SMU routed Hamline 3-0 at Ochrymowycz Field.
"Amazing," said SMU coach Eric Luzzi, whose team closed out its season with a 2-7-1 MIAC record and a 3-10-3 overall mark. "That was a fantastic performance — from everyone on this team.
"We played with emotion more than we have in a long, long time," Luzzi continued. "It's not like we haven't been playing hard all season, it's just that, this time around, we played hard — and with emotion, and that just brought our game to another level."
To a level Luzzi expected the Cardinals to be at from opening day.
"It's been a tough year, but I was proud of the way this team continued to battle day-in and day-out," Luzzi said. "We had some unfortunate breaks along the way, but a win like this really helps you to forget about all that."
Mike Schmitt (Woodridge, Ill.) gave SMU all the offensive it would need just four minutes into the game as he took a pass from Reddish and beat Hamline goalkeeper Drew Lueders with his team-leading fifth goal of the season.
Midway through the half, it was Anderson's turn, as he converted a penalty kick to give the Cardinals a 2-0 cushion at halftime. With 29 minutes remaining in regulation, it was Reddish's turn, as he scored his third of the season to help SMU snap a two-game losing streak and a five-game winless string (0-4-1).
"This was a great way for our seniors to go out," Luzzi said. "Obviously, they deserved a lot of more these, but it was great to see them all play such a huge role in our win in their final collegiate game.
"Hopefully today sends a message to everyone on this team," continued Luzzi. "I've known all along that this team is capable of playing this way, but for some reason, we waited until today to show our true colors.
"It's nice that we get to head into the off-season on a high note, but I also hope it reminds these guys how good it feels — and motivates them to continue to improve and prepare to pick up right where we left off next year."
