Box Score
PHOENIX – Montana State Billings junior forward, Garion Holian, scored on a great volley to the upper 90 from 25-yards out in the 86th minute as the Yellowjackets downed Dixie State Monday evening at Grand Canyon. With the win, the Yellowjackets improved to 1-0-1 on the year, while Dixie State fell to 0-2 on the season.
“We defended great tonight, the whole back four and the goalkeeper were excellent,” MSUB head coach Dan McNally said. “Matt Mitchell made a great save on a penalty kick which really kept us in the game early."
The game saw MSUB dominate the shots to a tune of 16-5 and 11-3 in shots on goal. The Jackets tallied 11 shots alone in the first half to just three for Dixie State. For the game, MSUB was led by five shots from Holian with three on goal and the one score. Chris Andre finished with three shots on goal, while Ryan Covey, Tyler Currence and Peter Davies each had two shots.
Dixie State was led by two shots from Josh Hernandez.
Holian scored the game winner past goalkeeper Jared Scruggs at the 85:34 mark for a 1-0 lead.
“It was a close game, but it just took one piece of individual skill by Garion Holian with not much time remaining and he scored a great goal,” McNally added.
The Jackets had numerous chances in the first half, but the Red Storm was up to the task as goalkeeper, Tyler Walters made seven saves in the initial period to preserve a scoreless game.
Conversely, MSUB goalkeeper, Matt Mitchell, also came up big as he stopped a penalty kick in the first half to preserve a scoreless game at intermission.
MSUB led 5-2 in shots in the second half, but the corner by Currence proved to be the difference late in the contest with the Holian score.
Mitchell finished with three saves in his first shutout of the year.
“It was fantastic for the guys who worked so hard on this trip,” McNally said. “We have a young team and this was a very challenging road trip for us to play two good teams under difficult conditions with the heat, but to come away undefeated is very good. I'm proud of the guys, but it's only the start of the season. We have to work hard next week and get ready for Colorado Christian.”
The Yellowjackets return home to host Colorado Christian Friday at 5 p.m. at Yellowjacket Field. The game will be broadcast on the internet courtesy of Penn Atlantic.
