LACEY, Wash. – The Montana State University Billings men's soccer team picked up their first conference win Thursday, taking down Saint Martin's University 2-1 on the road in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.
 
The Yellowjackets (4-3-1, 1-1-0 GNAC) picked up a pair of goals from substitutes Benjamin Banks and Ryushiro Morita, which proved to be the difference for MSUB, who were able to see out the victory, despite a late penalty from the Saints (3-4-1, 1-2-0 GNAC).
 
The first half saw the Saints with the majority of chances, outshooting the 'Jackets 9-5 over the opening 45 minutes. But it would be MSUB who would strike first in the match, with Banks opening the scoring. After Kolja Thomas recovered the ball at the halfway line, he quickly sen5 the ball through to Banks, who took a touch before slotting the ball into the bottom right corner to give the 'Jackets an early advantage. The Saints continued to threaten as the half went on, but solid defending from the MSUB backline and goalkeeper Jeremi Campagnolo would help keep the score 1-0 heading into halftime.
 
The second half would be where the Yellowjackets grew into the game, turning the tables to outshoot the hosts 8-3 the rest of the way. They would be once again rewarded for their efforts in the 69^th minute of action when a beautiful give and go between the 'Jacket attack would confuse the Saint's backline, and senior forward Ryushiro Morita would calmly slot it home to double the lead. Saint Martin's showed life late with a goal from a penalty in the 82^nd minute, but the Yellowjackets were able to recover and see the game out, grabbing their first GNAC win of the season.
 
Banks finished with four shots in the match, with his goal his lone attempt on target. Morita Midfielders Bjarne Fedkenhauer and Valdemar Fogt each had two shots, with one on goal, while Callum Bryan had two attempts off target. Campagnolo finished with four saves.
 
THE BUZZ: Banks was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game… the goal was the first of his MSUB career… Morita's goal was also his first at MSUB, giving him three points on the season (one goal, one assist)… The 'Jackets are now 17-12-2 all-time against SMU, with the win being the third in their last four road matchups against the Saints.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets continue their road trip with a matchup Saturday, October 7 against Seattle Pacific University. Kickoff is set for 4:30 PM PDT (5:30 MDT). Live video will be available here, and live statistics available here.