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Box Score
BILLINGS, Mont. – A goal in the 86th minute by Simon Fraser's Lauren Lachlan dealt the Montana State Billings women's soccer team its fifth setback of the year, downing the Yellowjackets 1-0 Saturday afternoon at Yellowjacket Field in Billings.
The Yellowjackets fall to 11-5-1 on the season and 8-5-0 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play. MSUB is seeking its first berth into the NCAA Tournament in program history.
The Clan improved to 9-4-2 on the year and is now 8-3-2 in their first season in the GNAC conference. SFU pulled two points ahead of MSUB for second place in the conference standings.
“Credit Simon Fraser for coming in and getting a good result against us today,” said MSUB head coach Don Trentham. “They played a great game and capitalized on their opportunity. I'm proud of the effort of my team and I felt like we played well, creating a few chances throughout the match. There are a lot of questions about the goal that was scored, but at the end of the day, the referees allowed the goal and we have to respect that decision because they were in the position to make that call.”
Lachlan's game-winner came as Jessica Fleming sent a free kick from the far side into the box and as a huge pile formed in front of the net, Lachlan came from the back side to just get enough of the ball to squeak it past MSUB keeper, Sabrina Grandke-Bawab (Kirkland, WA). It was Lachlan's fourth of the season.
The Jackets controlled much of the match, outshooting SFU 9-5 in total shots and 4-2 in shots on goal. The Yellowjackets also held a 7-2 edge in corner kicks, while SFU's Amelia Ng (7-4-2) made four saves and Grandke-Bawab (8-3-1) made one.
The Yellowjackets now have to sit and wait to see where they sit in the regional rankings when they come out on Wednesday. The Jackets were seventh last week as the top six get bids to the postseason.
“We'll rebound from this quickly and we'll be prepared to play a great match next Saturday,” said Trentham. “We know with a win we still have a shot at making the NCAA Tournament.”
MSUB now looks ahead to Northwest Nazarene next Saturday afternoon at Yellowjacket Field. Kickoff for that match is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. and will also serve as senior day for the Jackets' six seniors.
