Box Score BILLINGS, Mont. – Playing in the first game under the new lights at Yellowjacket field, the Montana State University Billings men's soccer team finished their final preseason game with a 1-1 draw against Rocky Mountain College.
 
The Yellowjackets and Battlin Bears battled back and forth all night in a hard-fought duel. Despite outshooting their rivals 18-7, the Yellowjackets fell behind in the first half, having to make a comeback in the second half to earn the draw.
 
In a physical first half, MSUB appeared to take an opening lead after a header from Kolja Thomas found the back of th net. But the goal would be disallowed, and from there, it would be Rocky who would take an opening lead. A through ball up the middle went past the Jacket's back line, where Bear's forward Angel Mange would chip it into the back of the net, opening the scoring to make things 1-0.
 
The second half would continue the pace and physicality, but the Yellowjackets came into their own, outshooting their opponents 15-2 over the final 45 minutes. They would tie things up when following a pair of blocked shots, Kamden Beck would find a way to get the ball to the back post, where Thomas would not be denied again, leveling things once more. Both teams had shots hit the post in the second half as they worked to find the go-ahead goal, but no one was able to convert an opportunity, as the teams finished even.
 
Beck had four shots, leading the Jackets, with one attempt on goal. Thomas had three shots with one on target, with Callum Bryan, Marc-Paul Renaud, and Sam Kemmer each placing a shot on target as well.
 
THE BUZZ: Thomas was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game.
 
UP NEXT: MSUB play next when they kick off their 2023 regular season, with their opening game taking place at home on September 1^st against South Dakota Mines. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM, with tickets available online. Live video will be available here, and live statistics will be available here.