Billings, Mont. – The Yellowjackets' men's soccer team heads to Washington for the start of their GNAC road slate. MSU Billings (0-4-2, 0-1-1 GNAC) will compete against Saint Martin's University (2-4-0, 2-0 GNAC) on Sept. 26 and Seattle Pacific University (4-1-0, 2-0 GNAC) on Sept. 28.
 
MSU Billings has yet to earn their first win of the 2013 season and will be without one of their top defenders in the upcoming contests. Matt Brink received a red card against Western Washington (9/21/13), making him ineligible for this weekend's competitions. The Yellowjackets struggle with consistency, but when on the same page play very well.
 
Currently MSUB ranks No. 42 nationally (out of 161 ranked schools) and No. 2 in the GNAC in saves per game. MSUB will look to capitalize off their opportunities in these upcoming matches as they average a .471 shot on goal percentage.
 
Four players: Sam Butterworth, Kyle Emerick, Haley Klarich and Chad Ward have scored one goal each this season. Ward's magnificent goal against Simon Fraser almost help the Jackets pull off the near upset against the top team in the nation.
 
The backline saw strong play from Michael Aringer this past weekend, earning honorable mention Red Lion GNAC Player of the Week honors.
 
In order for the Jackets to have a successful weekend they will need to piece together two complete team efforts.
 
Saint Martin's is currently tied for the lead in the GNAC after winning its first two conference matches. MSUB swept the Saints in their series last season and own the 7-4-1 all-time advantage against the Saints. Extending this winning streak will not come easy as Saint Martin's rank No. 2 in the conference in shots (79), No. 4 in points (17) and tied for No. 3 in goals (7).
 
The backline hasn't complemented their attack, as the Saints are tied for seventh in the GNAC in goals allowed (14). MSUB is going to have to limit Dylan Gaydosh's attempts; he is tied for third in the GNAC in goals scored (3). The Yellowjackets will look to apply pressure on Eric Owen and JJ Olson; the keepers have allowed 14 goals in facing 87 shots.
 
"We are looking forward to the game against St. Martin's on Thursday," stated head coach Alex Balog. "We want to build on our good performance against Western Washington. St. Martin's has started conference play well with two wins and is sitting on top of the table. However, it's time for our first win of the season; we worked hard in practice this week and are ready to face them."
 
MSU Billings and Saint Martin's are scheduled to begin play at 3:00 PM (Pacific Time) on Thursday, Sept. 26.
 
Seattle Pacific has started the 2013 season as anticipated, and is one of the top teams in the West region and conference. The Falcons were recently ranked No. 7 in the NSCAA/Continental Tire West Region Poll. Anchored by their defense, SPU nationally ranks No. 10 in team goal against average (0.4), and No. 16 in shutout percentage (0.6) and save percentage (0.875).
 
Offensively the Falcons rank No. 3 in goals per game (1.40) and assists per game (1.20). Goalkeeper Cody Lang is not only the best in the GNAC in terms of goal against average (0.40) and save percentage (.875), but he is nationally ranked No. 12 in goal against average and No. 17 in save percentage. Freshman forward Stephen MacDonald leads Seattle Pacific's attack, scoring five points off of two goals and one assist.
 
"Seattle Pacific will be very good, as usual; they are well coached and have a very good mixture of experience and youth on their team," Balog said. "We will be playing on Saturday night and they are expecting a sell-out crowd. I know our guys will be up for that."
 
The Falcons and Yellowjackets will start their match at 7:30 PM (Pacific Time) on Saturday, Sept. 28.
 
*Note: Yellowjacket fans can stay up to date on away games by following the links below or the "Live Stats" and "Video" links on the team's schedule page to tune into the GNAC's Live Web Portal*
 
GNAC Live Stats
GNAC Live Video