BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings men's soccer team created scoring chances and even a penalty kick, but failed to capitalize in a 2-1 home loss to Great Northwest Athletic Conference leading Western Washington University Thursday afternoon at Yellowjacket Field. The Vikings moved to 5-0-1 in the GNAC with the win while the Yellowjackets slipped to 3-2-1 in a three-way tied for second.
Western Washington goalkeeper Brandon Locke made the save on a first half penalty kick by
Shantik Bedrosian, after he dove to his right. Later, Locke stopped a point-blank shot by
Cole Hage to keep WWU in front 2-1 and preserve the win.
MSU Billings (6-5-2, 3-2-1) had an opportunity to take away Western Washington's lead in the standings but instead moved further away with their second home defeat. WWU inched closer to a National ranking after receiving votes in last week's United Soccer Coaches Division II poll.
"Unfortunately we had the penalty kick and a couple of other chances to go ahead first but we didn't score first," commented head coach
Thomas Chameraud. "We knew set pieces were one of WWU's strengths from studying film. I didn't feel we made a mistake, but they had the size advantage over us that made the goal. It's a bit frustrating because I felt the guys played well and deserved a better result but we just have to move on and try to win the next one.
After MSUB gained a scoring opportunity on Bedrosian's penalty kick in the 20
th minute, Camron Miller scored for WWU to go ahead 1-0 in the 42
nd minute. Georg Cholewa floated a corner to the far post, where it was headed in by Camron Miller for his third marker of the fall.
The Vikings added their second goal in the 62
nd minute. Cholewa took a free kick near the corner on the left side of the field and Ryan Shaefer hammered it through for his sixth season goal.
The Yellowjackets responded in the 74
th minute to get back within one.
Bryan Maxwell received a pass from the corner on the far side of the box and connected.
Luca Battistotti tallied an assist on the play.
The Yellowjackets continued to press forward but were stopped short by the Western Washington back line, resulting in a 2-1 final score. WWU outshot the Yellowajckets 10-7 and held a 6-4 edge in shots on goal.
MSUB goalkeeper
Jessy Martin made four saves in the loss. Locke remained unbeaten at 6-0-1 in goal for the Vikings.
"The closer we get to the end of the season, the more important it is going to be to get points," Chameraud said. "We lost three points at home which means we didn't meet our goal, but we still have opportunities at home to get more points next time."
WWU's Drew Farnsworth led all players with four shot attempts, two landing on goal.
Theo Lamare was the only 'Jacket to record multiple shot attempts after he finished with two. Western Washington earned six corner kicks compared to four for MSUB. Both teams marked four fouls apiece and Miller was the only player to be issued a yellow card for either side.
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets continue their five-game homestand Saturday, October 26 at 3 p.m. when they host Northwest Nazarene University for MSUB kicks cancer day at Yellowjacket Field.
THE BUZZ: Bryan Maxwell was named St. Vincent Healthcare player of the game after scoring his second goal of the fall.
