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BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State Billings men's soccer team pulled out a hard-fought 2-1 victory over visiting Colorado Christian Friday afternoon at Yellowjacket Field. With the win, the Yellowjackets improved to 2-0-1 on the year, while the Cougars fell to 0-2.
“This always was going to be a difficult game for us,” MSUB head men's soccer coach Dan McNally said. “We have just come off a five-day road trip and the guys have just started classes. If we had converted our chances in the first half, it would have been more comfortable. Credit the guys as they found a way to win and we remain unbeaten.”
The Yellowjackets got on the board just over 12 minutes into the contest on a nice shot from the left side of the box from freshman Tyler Currence for his first goal as a Yellowjacket. Currence received the ball from junior Peter Davies for a 1-0 lead. It was Davies' first assist as a Yellowjacket.
The game remained 1-0 throughout the rest of the first half as MSUB had numerous chances to score, but was unable to add to the lead. The Jackets outshot CCU 12-0 in the first half and 4-0 in shots on goal.
Just over 45 seconds into the second half, CCU got on the board as Sam Westlake took the first touch from Michael McHugh at the top of the box and fired it past MSUB goalkeeper Matt Mitchell to even the score at one.
The Yellowjackets continued to fight and with just under 22 minutes left in regulation, sophomore Clifton Thomas was tackled in the box giving the Yellowjackets a penalty kick. Senior Chris Andre converted the penalty kick for a 2-1 lead.
CCU did have three shots in the second half and all were on goal including the score. MSUB continued the shooting dominance as it outshot the Cougars 9-3 in the second half and 21-3 for the game. The Jackets tallied three more shots on goal in the second half for seven for the contest.
Andre led the way with eight shots and one on goal for MSUB. Sophomore Thomas Sheets had three shots off the bench with two on goal. Sheets was named GNAC Player of the Week this week for his efforts in scoring the equalizing goal at Grand Canyon last Saturday in a 1-1 tie.
The Yellowjackets return to action Monday at 2:30 p.m. in a neutral site matchup with Adams State College in Pueblo, Colo. The Yellowjackets then face Colorado State Pueblo Wednesday evening at 7 p.m., before returning home to host the University of Mary Sat., Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. at Yellowjacket Field.
The match versus Adams State will have live stats. Please log on to http://ascgrizzlies.athleticsite.net/livestats/xlive.htm to access them.
