Box Score
Burnaby, BC - The Simon Fraser University men's soccer team scored a big win on Saturday night, defeating the Western Washington Vikings 2-0 at Terry Fox Field.
"I was very happy with our back four and goalkeeper
Brandon Watson," said Head Coach
Alan Koch. "Collectively, they nullified Western Washington's attack all night long and were full value for the shutout."
The Clan came out firing in the match, outshooting the Vikings 12-3 in the first half and 16-6 overall. Eight of the Clan's shots were on goal.
In the 12th minute,
Alexander Kleefeldt (Frankfurt, Germany) opened the scoring for the Clan when he scored on a header off a cross from
Alex Rowley (Maple Ridge, BC).
That was all the scoring that would take place in the first half, as the two sides went to the locker rooms with SFU leading 1-0.
The Clan added to their lead in the 60th minute when
Jules Chopin (Kaslo, BC) gave the home side an insurance goal, scoring unassisted off a giveaway.
"It was pleasing to see Alex Kleefeldt put together his best performance of the season. He is getting more and more comfortable with the North American game.
Jules Chopin scored a great goal and is starting to find his form. We will need to recover over our Canadian Thanksgiving and get ourselves ready for a tough trip to the Dakotas next week, continued Koch.
Brandon Watson (Victoria, BC) got the start in net for the Clan, earning the shutout.
The Clan win comes on the weekend of the 10 year anniversary of the death of former Clan soccer, player, Ronale Naidu.
"We would like to dedicate tonight's victory to Ronale Naidu and his family. He is sorely missed," finished Koch.
Naidu has a scholarship in his name with the men's soccer program and personnel from the program attend his memorial tournament annually.
The win improves the Clan's record to 6-1 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play, 10-1 overall.
SFU will travel to the Dakota's next week to face the University of Mary Marauders and the South Dakota School of Mines.
