DURANGO, Colo. – The Montana State University Billings men's soccer program opened it's final week of non-conference play against Colorado Mesa University, falling by a score of 3-0 in a neutral site game.
 
In MSUB's penultimate match before opening conference play next week, the Yellowjackets (1-2-2) struggled to get past the Mavericks (2-1-1) defense all match. While Colorado Mesa only managed to outshoot the 'Jackets 11-9, MSUB was only able to place one of their efforts on target, compared to six from the Mavericks.
 
The Yellowjackets fell into an early hole in the fifth minute of the game, when Colorado Mesa would open the scoring with a goal from Stefanos Christodoulakis. But MSUB battled back to keep things close in the opening 45 minutes, keeping the shot totals close with five compared to the Maverick's six. The 'Jackets best looks would come from set pieces, threatening on five corner kicks. MSUB would be unable to find a first half equalizer though, with Colorado Mesa continuing to hold a 1-0 lead as the game headed into halftime.
 
The second half would be a struggle for the Yellowjackets however, with the Mavericks collecting a pair of insurance goals to boost their lead. Matteo Bonelli doubled the lead in the 62^nd minute, before a 73^rd minute strike from Kensho Negi would make the scoreline 3-0. The Yellowjackets attempted four shots in the half while fighting to find a goal of their own, but would be unable to find the back of the net, dropping their second match of the season.
 
So Nagano led MSUB with the Yellowjacket's lone shot on target, attempting two shots total. Also firing two shots were Guillermo Gonzalez and Bjarne Fedkenhauer. Sam Kemmer, George Jones, and Arlo Follet attempted one shot. Andrew Schoenen made two saves, while Fred Reiter saved one shot.
 
THE BUZZ: Kemmer was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game… Reiter made his first career appearance for the Yellowjackets in regular season play, as did defender Kaleb Truong.
 
UP NEXT: MSUB wraps up it's non-conference slate on Saturday, September 21 at 7 PM, when it takes on #9 Fort Lewis University at Dirks Field. Live video will be available here, and live statistics will be available here.