BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings men's soccer team dismantled the Western Oregon University Wolves 5-1 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play on Saturday afternoon at Yellowjacket Field.
In the final home game for the Yellowjackets (5-8-2, 3-5-2 GNAC) this season, the hosts played a close game in the first half, before a dominant run in the second half spelled doom for the Wolves (2-12-2, 1-9-1 GNAC). "This group has continued to come together more and more throughout the year, and it's great to see these type of performances as I knew they were capable of it all season," said MSUB head coach
Aaron Champenoy. "They're starting to get a little bit more belief and trust with each other, and I'm really proud of our reaction after going down 1-0 today. It is something we have been working on and emphasizing to the boys all season that we have to have good reactions when bad things happen."
From the first kick, the game was a physical affair between the two teams, with each team nearly even on fouls for the entirety of the game. The visiting Wolves however would strike early. At the five-minute mark, a corner kick by Harper Neubeck would find the head of defender Ben Mitchenson, who would rise above the mass of 'Jackets in the box and put the Wolves ahead. From that moment though, the 'Jackets dominated the first half, outshooting the Wolves 13-2 in the half. "I was a little disappointed that we gave up another goal on a set piece, as it's something that we talked about and worked on especially against this team," Champenoy said. "But outside of that I thought we were very solid defensively and didn't give up many chances at all. Kolten (Unrein) came up with some good saves when he needed it, and the rest of the team defended well as a unit."
The Wolves held strong until the 27th minute, until
Jeremie Briquet would tie the game back up. Taking advantage of the chaos off of a corner, the ball would end up at the feet of
Guillermo Gonzalez, who would play it across the box to the waiting foot of Briquet. The 'Jackets would push hard for more, but were denied by WOU keeper Juan Suarez, who had six saves in both halves of the game.
In the second half the Yellowjackets would strike in quick succession, turning the game from a tight affair to a blowout in the span of just six minutes. The first goal was a stunner by Billings local
Trey Draayer. After his initial effort was denied and sent behind him, Draayer hit his shot backwards, where it would sail past the outstretched Suarez to give the 'Jackets the lead. That foot would stay firmly planted on the gas when just a minute apart,
Kamden Beck's rocket and
Callum Bryan's tap in would double the 'Jackets total to four.
The game's final goal would occur in the 66th minute, when a beautiful bit of give and go play between
Pascal Pisarek and Bryan would end with Pisarek's shot in the back of the net.
In a well-rounded display for MSUB, five different players scored goals on a staggering 28 shots. Both Bryan and Gonzalez finished with a pair of assists, and Briquet had one.
Kolten Unrein had two saves for the 'Yellowjackets. "I couldn't be happier for our seniors to go out at home with a good performance like that and so many of them getting on the score sheet," Champenoy said. "The team scored some good goals today and they came from a variety of places. We have two big tests on the road next week against two very good teams, and I am hoping to see more of the same from our group. As long as we pay attention to the details and win the small battles, we have a chance against anyone."
THE BUZZ: Bryan was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game…MSUB set season highs in multiple categories this game, including shots (28) shots on target (17) and both goals and assists (5).
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets finish off their season on the road with two games next week, the first one coming up on Thursday, November 3 against Simon Fraser at 7 p.m.
