BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings men's soccer team was handed it's first loss in conference play this season, finishing on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline against Western Oregon University in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.
The Yellowjackets (2-3-3, 1-1-0 GNAC) shocked the #25 ranked Wolves (6-1-1, 2-0-0 GNAC) by taking an early first half lead on a goal from
So Nagano. But MSUB's lead wouldn't last long, with Western Oregon responding with two goals before halftime before grabbing a third in the second half to see out the win.
The match opened with Western Oregon pushing forward quickly to try and score an early goal, with a pair of early shots heading just wide of the net. But the Yellowjackets would find their opportunities, with Nagano attempting three shots in the first 23 minutes of the game. His third one would be his best however, when after taking a pass from
Florian Senf on the counterattack, the junior forward would hit the ball between the goalkeeper's legs, finding the back of the net for his fourth goal of the season, and giving the Yellowjackets a 1-0 advantage. Their lead would be short-lived however, with Western Oregon scoring goals just over a minute apart in the 30
th and 31
st minutes, including a penalty from the spot, to give the visitors a 2-1 leading at halftime.
MSUB would try valiantly to find their way back into the match in the second half, pushing hard to find another goal. The Yellowjackets would outshoot the Wolves 6-3 across the final period, but despite a pair of shots on goal from Senf, and a chance from the penalty spot for Nagano, the Yellowjackets would be unable to get past Western Oregon goalkeeper Andre Schlaefli, who finished the match with four saves. The Wolves would add a third goal in the 71
st minute, scoring a second penalty kick to give them further insurance, and the Yellowjackets would drop their first match in GNAC play this season, despite putting up a tough battle against a ranked opponent.
Nagano finished with four shots, including three shots on goal, while Senf put two of his three shots on target. Besides them,
Bjarne Fedkenhauer had two shots, while
Ryan Hanley and
Sam Kemmer each attempted one. In net,
Fred Reiter made a pair of saves.
THE BUZZ: Nagano was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game… his four goals tie him for second in the GNAC in goals this season, with the junior scoring two goals and totaling one assist in his first week of GNAC play… Nagano is first in the conference in shots on goal with 12, and third in total shots with 17… Senf's assist was the first of his collegiate career… MSUB is now 0-1-1 against ranked opponents this season.
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets start their second week of conference play at home on Thursday, September 10, when they take on Saint Martin's University under the lights at Yellowjacket Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM, with live video
available here, and live statistics
available here. Tickets are available
online here, with MSUB students and staff receiving free admission, along with children 8
th grade and under.
