BILLINGS, Mont. – After two decisive Great Northwest Athletic Conference road wins last week against Saint Martin's University (6-3-2, 1-2-1 GNAC) and Seattle Pacific University (2-6-1, 1-3-0 GNAC), the GNAC team of the week Montana State University Billings men's soccer team will open up a two-week homestand against perennial conference favorite Simon Fraser. The 'Jackets (6-4-1, 3-1-0 GNAC) lead in the GNAC standings with no intentions in loosening their grip. They will be looking to create some distance between themselves and Simon Fraser (5-2, 2-1 GNAC) when The Clan travels south of the border this Saturday at Yellowjacket Field. The game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. MST.
 
LAST TIME OUT: The Yellowjackets played well on both sides of the ball, boasting a strong defense and offensive effort against Saint Martin's and Seattle Pacific last week, beating them 5-1 and 1-0 respectively. Christian Thode and Andres Perez led the charge with multi-goal games against SMU while a late penalty kick goal from Shantik Bedrosian proved tobe enough to prevail against SPU. Seniors Luca Battistotti and Samuele Folla continue to lead the team in minutes played on the back row for MSUB with 950 (86 min. avg.) and 803 (73 min. avg.).
 
Freshman Jessy Martin continues to impress with a 1.24 goals against average and a .797 save percentage. Both are third best in the GNAC among goal keepers. His 55 total saves are more than any other goalkeeper in the conference.
 
The 'Jackets have notably scored 18 goals (1.60 per game avg.) and allowed only 14 (1.24 game avg.) so far this year.
 
Scouting Simon Fraser University
Saturday, October 19 – 3:30 p.m. – Yellowjacket Field – Billings, Montana
2019 Record 5-2, 2-1 GNAC, 2-2 home, 2-0 away, 1-0 neutral
2018 Record 17-2, 11-1 GNAC, 6-0 home, 10-1 away, 1-1 neutral
Head Coach: Clint Schneider (6^th Season)
 
Simon Fraser sits at sixth in shot attempts but first in goals per game (2.43), indicating that they are very efficient on offense. They also lead the GNAC in assists per game (2.14) and goals allowed (1.14). Meanwhile, MSU Billings ranks second in shots per game (13.64), points (4.73), goals (1.64), and assists (1.45) and currently leads the conference in saves with a 5.09 per game average. Both teams are well rounded, leaving little doubt for a close battle Saturday afternoon. SFU has lost two games at home in 2019 but they remain undefeated on the road. Last week, SFU was stunned by Concordia University (Ore), losing 1-2 and will be looking to bounce back strong against the GNAC leading Yellowjackets.
 
Aidan Bain anchors their strong defense allowing only (1.12) goals per game and currently sits at second in GNAC, giving up a mere 8 goals in 7 games played this season. On the offensive side, they have an unselfish playing style, and move the ball quickly and efficiently. SFU has two players (Matteo Polisi and William Raphael) that place in the top-5 in the GNAC for assists per game with a 0.43 average. Matteo Polisi (0.71), Connor Glennon (0.57) and William Raphael (0.57) also place in the top-5 in the GNAC for goals per game.