LACEY, Wash. – Brody Thomas scored two second-half goals to lead SFU men's soccer to a 2-0 win over Saint Martin's in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference opener for both teams Thursday afternoon in Lacey, Wash.

"Brody played like the player we recruited today in the second half," said SFU head coach Clint Schneider. "He battled, won headers, worked very hard out of possession and finished his chances. He has the potential to be a very special player for us as long as he works hard and continues to be coachable."


SFU had a decisive edge in possession and shots (21-6) and opened up the game early in the second half when Thomas scored his first of the game and second of the season while stumbling to the ground after a hard push from an SMU defender in the box.

The buildup started seconds earlier with a ball lofted from the wing into the penalty area that was turned away by a defender. The ball careened to the foot of Thomas about 10 yards out and in front of another defender. He took a touch and a step, stumbled after a hard push from the defender, and managed to flick the ball into the corner of the net with his last step before hitting the ground.

Thomas' second goal started when Lorenzo De Bei chipped a ball between two defenders.  Thomas, standing at the 18-yard line and a few feet from a defender, raced to the ball, took several touches and then sent a shot low inside the far post for the win.

SFU directed 14 shots at SMU in the second half, forcing Hunter Askland to make six saves, and nine overall. Aidan Bain made one stop for SFU for his third shutout of the season.

Thomas has scored the game-winner in two of SFU's four wins this season and leads the team with three goals.

SFU is now 4-3 overall with a road game Saturday at Northwest Nazarene beginning at 10AM.

SFU will play its first home game in the new SFU Stadium at Terry Fox Field on Oct. 14 as part of a Socktoberfest promo where SFU branded socks will be tossed into the crowd. Game time is 7PM.