Box Score Box Score
DURANGO, Colo. -- The Montana State Billings men's soccer team was unable to overcome an early goal as the Yellowjackets (0-2-0) dropped a neutral site match with Hawaii Pacific University (1-0-0) Saturday afternoon at Fort Lewis College.
Chance Bukoski and Kimo Komomua scored goals to lead the Sea Warriors in their season opener. The loss went to freshman
Eoin Hurley (0-2) as Mael Lefebvre picked up the win for HPU.
“We played quite well today and created a lot of chances,” said head coach Dan McNally. Unfortunately we made two mistakes and we were punished for them. That's just how this week has gone for us, but we've played two quality teams in those matches. At times I thought we played well, but not enough to get wins. We do have some injuries but now we have to get back to Billings and prepare for our match on Thursday afternoon.”
After both sides were caught offside early in the match, Bukoski cashed in the second shot of the afternoon for Sea Warriors as he took a ball by Truls Lystad and beat a diving Hurley to go up 1-0 in the sixth minute.
The Yellowjackets seemingly had their chances later in the half as
Thomas Sheets put a ball wide in the 32
nd minute and another just wide in the 37
th minute. The Jackets again had a chance in the 41
st minute, but were called offside.
After the break, MSUB established their offense as they took two shots in 20 second span during the 50
th minute but Lefebvre was a stone wall, turning away shots by Sheets and
Garion Holian. Lefebvre again turned away Sheets with a save in the 51
st minute.
HPU put distance between them and the Jackets in the 72nd minute as Komomua struck the ball off a pass by Bukowski to give the Sea Warriors the 2-0 advantage.
Hurley made three saves in the losing effort. Sheets led the team with six total shots and two on goal. Also taking shots were
Isaac Kerr (2),
Thomas Chameraud (1) and Holian (1).
HPU held an 18-10 advantage in shots and took four corners, while holding MSUB to 0. There were six yellow cards issued during the match and both teams were called offside six times.
The Yellowjackets return home this week with a Thursday afternoon match against the University of Mary at 4:30 p.m.
