BURNABY – Freshman forward
Koji Poon scored 16 minutes into the game and it stood as the game-winner as the SFU Red Leafs won their first home match of the season 1-0 over Fort Lewis (Colorado) in a non-conference men's soccer game at Terry Fox Field Thursday evening.
Poon's third goal of the season was SFU's first in three games and snapped a two-game home winless streak. Poon created space in a crowded box, spinning and turning past several defenders before picking the top right corner from 12 yards out. The goal was assisted by
Hamish Ogden upon review.
"It was all instinct," said Poon. "I saw the ball come to my feet and I didn't think about it I just hit it. There wasn't a lot of time."
"I'm very proud of the guys, and how they responded against a difficult opponent in Fort Lewis," said SFU head coach
Clint Schneider. "They're a well-coached team that made some tactical adjustments in the second half to make things much more difficult. However, I'm very pleased with the performance from our players obviously
Koji Poon with the game winner and
Justyn Sandhu with the type of outing we expect from him where he can change moments in the game and affect outcomes. Justyn did that today. I can't wait for Saturday and another opportunity for the group to grow. I'm excited to get back to work tomorrow."
SFU was elated to score its first goal on Fox Field in three starts and carried that momentum forward, generating 11 shots and seven corners against their RMAC opponent.
Fort Lewis goalkeeper Lucas Martin made four saves while Red Leafs'
Justyn Sandhu made seven stops, including five in the second half. The senior goalkeeper has started every match for SFU and ranks second in the conference with an .826 save percentage. Sandhu also ranks third in the GNAC with 19 saves and 4.75 saves per game. He has two shutouts.
"This was a huge first win at home," said SFU senior
Devin O'Hea. "This one means a lot. It's good for team morale and gives everyone's spirits a lift."
"We have a lot more in us and now it's a matter of bringing that out next game," continued O'Hea. "We have a lot more in us too, and a lot more to showcase this season."
The Red Leafs are now 3-2 on the season.
SFU plays Saturday (7:30 p.m.) at Fox Field against Colorado Mesa. The Mavericks scored twice early in the second half and came back from a goal down to beat Montana State Billings 2-1 on Fox Field. The Mavs are 3-2 this season.
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