Box Score Box Score

Billings, Mont. – Montana State Billings men's soccer program wrapped up their weekend with a strong performance in Bismarck, N.D. After defeating the University of Sioux Falls on Thursday, Sept. 27, the Yellowjackets battled the University of Mary on Saturday. In a test of endurance, MSUB came out on top with a 2-1 victory.
 
Except for two contests, the Yellowjackets have played all of their games thus far on the road. MSUB has done a great job this season of going into difficult environments and competing at a very high level. The Jackets brought this same level of play into their match with the University of Mary.
 
Joshua Marocchi found his rhythm early, taking two shots within the first eight minutes of play. His first attempt was on target and saved by the Marauders Michael Frenzel, and the second went high over the goal.
 
Following a foul by the Jackets, the University of Mary gained favorable field possession and took an early 1-0 lead with a Rory Pratt shot. MSUB did not get discouraged despite being down early in the match. The Jackets and Marauders went back and forth with both teams taking four shots each between the 15^th and 31^st minutes.
 
Three of the four MSUB shots landed on goal, with Christian Wilhelmsen accounting for two attempts and Thomas Sheets adding the other.
 
Freshman Logan Deeney saw his first action between the pipes this year, subbing in for Eoin Hurley in the 39^th minute.
 
The closing minutes of the half saw an increase in physical play with four yellow cards being handed out. Despite a shot on goal attempt by Sheets, the Yellowjackets were not able to even the score and they entered the break trailing the University of Mary 1-0.
 
At the start of the second half, MSUB turned up their offensive pressure with a Sheets' shot that hit the post in the 53^rd minute of play.
 
The Jackets continued to have the advantage in ball possession and in the 65^th minute of the match, their efforts would be rewarded. Sheets set newcomer Chad Ward up with a great pass and Ward blasted a shot past the keeper to score his first goal of the season, bringing the match to a 1-1 tie.
 
With momentum on their side, MSUB's offense continued to stay in rhythm outshooting the Marauders 8-1 from the 66^th to 81^st minute of play. Although the Yellowjackets took quality shots, they were unable to produce any scores. MSUB finished the second half with shots on goal by Thomas Chameraud and Sheets but both attempts were saved by the University of Mary's goal keeper.
 
The 1-1 tie would not be broken in regulation and the match went into overtime.
 
Still in rhythm from the previous half, the Jackets attacked fast at the start of the extra period. Following a foul by the Marauders, MSUB effectively took advantage of their free kick. In the 94^th minute junior midfielder Landon Horst completed a header attempt, knocking the shot over top of the goal keepers out stretched arms.
 
“We deserved to win today and it's a great feeling when the team plays so hard and gets the result,” stated head coach Dan McNally. “Today it was about winning headers, tackles and competing for every ball. It was a hard game and we love that. It's a good win on the road.”
 
MSUB outshot the University of Mary 20-10 and finished with the 14-4 shot on goal advantage. Playing 55 minutes in the match, Deeney recorded his first victory of the season and Yellowjacket career. He finished with one save on the day.
 
The Yellowjackets now sit at 6-2-1 overall and 3-2-1 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. MSUB will travel to Nampa, Idaho on Thursday, Oct. 6 to play Northwest Nazarene University for their next GNAC scheduled event.