BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings men's soccer team picked up an impressive win to open conference play, collecting a 2-0 victory over Simon Fraser University to kick off Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.
 
The Yellowjackets (2-2-3, 1-0 GNAC) faced a challenge to open their conference schedule, facing off against the defending conference champion Red Leafs (1-4-2, 0-1 GNAC). But the 'Jackets would soar to victory behind a pair of first half goals, taking an early lead and never looking back to win their GNAC opener for the first time since defeating Northwest Nazarene in 2019.
 
The matched opened slowing as the two teams looked to find the openings in each other's defenses. But despite not attempting a shot until the 14^th minute, MSUB would open the scoring on it's first look of the night. After Davis Boogman's pass cleared the midfield and found a running So Nagano, the junior forward would hold the ball on the wing before playing the ball to Florian Senf, who would quickly turn and shoot the ball into the bottom left corner, scoring his first career collegiate goal and putting the Yellowjackets up 1-0. They wouldn't have to wait long to double their advantage, when just six minutes later, Nagano would be taken down in the box for a penalty. The forward would step up to the spot and blast it home to give the Yellowjackets a 2-0 lead, one which they'd keep hold of heading into halftime behind a strong defense, which only allowed Simon Fraser to attempt three shots in the opening 45 minutes, and put one shot on goal.
 
The second half was where the Red Leafs would begin to pose more of a threat on goal, outshooting the 'Jackets 8-2 overall and maintaining more of the ball. But MSUB would hold firm in defense, denying each of Simon Fraser's attempts to mount a comeback as the second half wore on. The 'Jackets would look to expand their lead with both of their attempts, putting each on target, but their 2-0 lead would prove to be more than enough at full time, giving the 'Jackets the win and building momentum early in conference play.
 
Nagano put a pair of shots on goal, finishing with a goal and an assist, while fellow forward Sam Kemmer also had two shots, putting one attempt on goal. Senf put his lone shot of the match in the back of the net, while Boogman and Ryan Hanley each attempted one shot. In goal, Fred Reiter made three saves, collecting his first career shutout and the third of the season for the Yellowjackets.
 
THE BUZZ: Senf was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game… his goal was also the first game-winning goal of his career… Nagano's goal marked his third of the campaign, moving him into the team lead this season, and tied for fourth in the GNAC… the Yellowjacket's three shutouts are tied for second most in the conference this season, while their 11 total team goals rank third in the conference.
 
UP NEXT: MSUB looked to keep it's hot start to conference play going on Saturday, October 5 when the 'Jackets square off against a ranked opponent in #25 Western Oregon. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 PM, with live video available here, and live statistics available here. Tickets are available for purchase online here.