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BILLINGS, Mont. – With less than 10 seconds left in the first overtime, Montana State Billings sophomore, Thomas Sheets scored in thrilling fashion for a 2-1 victory over visiting Rocky Mountain College, Wednesday afternoon at Yellowjacket Field. With the victory, the Yellowjackets improved to 8-8-1 on the year, while Rocky fell to 9-6.
“It was a really good game today,” MSUB head coach Dan McNally said. “I thought Rocky played well and made it difficult for us. Overall, my players continue to give everything they have to the team, and I am very proud of them today. We found a way to win.”
Sheets received a long pass from senior Kyle Moriarty after Yellowjacket senior Ryan Covey intercepted the ball with just over 20 seconds left in the first overtime. Sophomore Blair Stevenson passed to Moriarty who sent the ball long to a streaking Sheets. Sheets collected the ball as Rocky goalkeeper, Chris Perez, came out to challenge. Perez went in for the tackle as Sheets meandered the ball past Perez and went for an open goal shot from the right post. It was Sheets' fourth goal of the season.
It was Sheets' second game winner this season and Moriarty's first assist of the season.
The game was a very physical affair on both sides as the teams combined for 24 fouls and two yellow cards. Sheets led the way for MSUB with six shots and four on goal and the game winner. Senior, captain, Chris Andre, tallied four shots with two on goal and a penalty kick.
MSUB tallied 15 shots in the game with seven on goal. The Jackets had eight second half shots and four in the overtime alone. MSUB had an 8-1 lead in corner kicks, including five in the second half alone.
Rocky was led by three shots and two on goal from Chris Jermy. Nick Heffernan had two shots with one goal and also scored on a penalty kick. The Battlin' Bears tallied eight shots with five on goal.
MSUB senior goalkeeper, Matt Mitchell, went the distance for the Yellowjackets as he allowed one goal on the Heffernan penalty kick and stopped three shots. Rocky's Joachim Soderstrom allowed one goal on the Andre penalty kick and had one save in the first half. Perez started the second half and went the rest of the way allowing one goal and stopping four shots.
Five minutes into the game, Sheets was tackled in the box setting up Andre's fourth penalty kick attempt as he converted it for a 1-0 lead.
Nearly 10 minutes later, the Jackets returned the favor with a tackle in the box as Heffernan scored on his penalty attempt for a 1-1 lead just 15:42 into the contest. The game remained 1-1 through the rest of the half.
The Battlin' Bears had a great opportunity five minutes in the second half as Heffernan fired a shot from the right side that hit the left post then bounced directly to the right post and out.
Both teams had chances in the second half, but the Yellowjackets had one last look in regulation as they received a free kick with eight seconds left. The ball then was kicked into the box. Rocky cleared the ball back out to Andre who fired a shot wide at the buzzer.
In overtime, the Yellowjackets came out with two good shots early on. Senior James Henry headed a shot wide and Sheets fired a shot, but Perez came up with the save.
With 1:31 left, Rocky chipped a ball into the box for a header that went in, but the Battlin' Bears were called for offsides to nullify the goal. Sheets had another shot a Perez before his game winner with 42 seconds left.
The Yellowjackets conclude the regular season at home Saturday at 3 p.m. versus Great Northwest Athletic Conference rival Northwest Nazarene. MSUB will honor five seniors playing their final game in a Yellowjacket uniform. The 2010 Senior Class includes; Chris Andre, Ryan Covey, James Henry, Matt Mitchell and Kyle Moriarty.
