Casey McCloskey scored twice, including the tiebreaking goal in the 73rd minute, to lead St. Olaf to a 3-1 victory over Washington College (Md.) in the semifinals of the NCAA Division III men’s soccer tournament on Friday in Salem, Va.
The Oles (19-3-3) will play in the championship game on Sunday against either Amherst or Washington & Lee.
McCloskey, who put St. Olaf up 1-0 by scoring in the 20th minute, gave the Oles the lead for good when he scored off a pass from Ryan Bechtel with 16:50 remaining.
Michael Nelson made it a two-goal lead by scoring in the 78th minute, and Peter Forseth made five saves for the Oles, who will be just the second MIAC men’s team to play in the championship match. Gustavus Adolphus lost to Messiah in the 2005 final.
Ben Strine scored the tying goal in the 58th minute for the Shoremen (13-3-6).
JOEL RIPPEL