BILLINGS, Mont. -- The Montana State University Billings men's soccer squad returns home this week after a tough road trip, looking to rebound with solid performances against Great Northwest Athletic Conference foes Simon Fraser and Western Washington Thursday and Saturday, respectively.
The Yellowjackets enters play this week with a 2-4-0 record overall and currently sit 0-2-0 in conference play after suffering a 2-1 overtime loss at Saint Martin's and an 0-2 setback at Seattle Pacific last week.
Thomas Sheets scored in the first minute of the match Thursday against the Saints, scoring the fourth fastest goal in MSUB men's soccer history. The Saint equalized in regulation and then scored the game-winner 43 seconds into the overtime.
A late first half goal and an insurance goal in the final minute Saturday night gave SPU the 2-0 victory over the Jackets at Interbay Stadium in Seattle. The Jackets had a great showing on the pitch, but the Falcons capitalized on small mistakes by Jackets to score the victory.
Senior
Garion Holian leads the Yellowjackets in scoring with four goals and an assist for nine points this season, while freshman
Kyle Emerick sits second with a pair of goals for four points. Sheets has the only other goal for the Jackets.
As a team the Jackets are shooting .522 on goal this season with seven total goals, while opponents have 12 total goals and a .427 shots on goal percentage. Despite outshooting opponents 42-33 in the first half of matches, the Yellowjackets have been outshot in the second half 55-27.
In Thursday's match, which kicks-off at 1:30 p.m., the Yellowjackets host defending GNAC champion and conference favorite Simon Fraser University. The Clan is undefeated this season with a 5-0-0 record and is coming off a dominant 4-0 performance over Western Washington Sunday.
The Clan has been scored on just once this season, winning by at least two or more goals in four of their five victories. Sheldon Steenhuis is their leading keeper, registering a 4-0-0 mark and has yet to be scored upon; making 13 saves this season in 315:00 minutes.
The Clan is led by Joseph Martin who has four goals this season on just seven total shots and six on goal. Carlo Basso and John Hodnett have each scored three goals, while five other players have at least one goal. SFU has outscored their opponents 18-1 this season and have outshot teams 103-42 in total shots.
Saturday is the 10th Annual Futbol Frenzy at MSUB, and the Yellowjackets will host Western Washington at 4:30 p.m.
The Vikings enter the week at 1-3-0 overall and are 0-1-0 in the conference after their loss at Simon Fraser last week.
Oscar Jimenez and Kellan Brown lead the Vikings with two goals apiece, while Jimenez has two assists for his team-leading six points. Three other players have scored one goal for the Vikings this season and three others have assists.
WWU has been outscored 10-7 this season and have been outshot 66-52 in total shots. The Vikings are shooting .404 on goal, while opponents are shooting .530.
All home matches can be seen via web stream on the msubsports.com web site by using the link on the home page or the schedule page. Fans also have the option to watch games with live stats available on the home page and on the schedule page.
About Futbol Frenzy, MSUB students get to eat for free with a valid student ID, while members of the general public can purchase the food for $5. Wendy's has once again sponsored the event, supplying chili for the match.
