Box Score Billings, MT - The Simon Fraser University men's soccer team defeated the Montana State University Billings Yellowjackets 2-1 in their Great Northwest Athletic Conference opener on Thursday afternoon thanks to two second half goals.
"Coming to Montana has to be one of the toughest places to play in the NCAA," said Head Coach
Alan Koch. "They are a very physical team who relish in defending their turf. They are well coached and it is only a matter of time before they get on a roll this season. I'm proud of our players for showing the character to come back from being a goal down. Our goals weren't the prettiest but winning on the road doesn't have to be pretty. We're happy with the three points and are excited to face NNU in Idaho on Saturday."
Brandon Watson (Victoria, BC) got his second start of the season in goal for the Clan, making four saves to get the victory.
Despite the fact that Simon Fraser outshot MSUB in the opening half, the Clan still went to the locker rooms trailing as the Yellowjackets scored the lone goal of the opening 45 minutes.
Chad Ward got the marker in the 20th minute with Aidhan Brownlee recording the assist as Ward scored on a sliding shot to give the home side the lead.
Just over 15 minutes into the second half, the Clan responded when SFU's German connection came together for the goal, as
Chris Bargholz (Fuessen, Germany) scored with the assist going to
Alexander Kleefeldt (Frankfurt, Germany).
In the 75th minute, transfer
Johannes Hallman (Lidkoping, Sweden) scored his first goal of the season, unassisted, recording the game winner.
It was a gritty game, as MSUB received seven yellow cards in the match while the Clan received four.
With the win, the Clan start their GNAC season with a 1-0 record and move to 5-0 overall.
The Clan will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to Nampa, ID to face the Northwest Nazarene Crusaders.
