BILLINGS, Mont. – Freshman Kiera Scott's first career tally proved the difference on Saturday morning, as the forward's 51st-minute strike powered the SFU Red Leafs women's soccer team to a 1-0 road win over the Montana State Billings Yellowjackets (1-3-1, 0-2-0).

SFU's first conference win of the year was tightly contested through the first 45 minutes. The Red Leafs piled up 16 total fouls in the contest, eight of which came in the opening stanza. The aggression also translated to SFU's offensive game plan, as they forced MSUB keeper Clare Keenan into making three key stops early while outshooting the Yellowjackets 6-3 overall in the frame.

Still, SFU was unable to convert until Scott broke through just five minutes into the second half. On a high-arcing corner from midfielder Isabella Muzzolini, the rookie did well to find an open gap amidst a crowded box. Scott was in perfect position to take a short pass from Katie Carter, and the forward wasted no time in smashing the loose ball beyond Keenan's reach.

SFU keeper Sarah Loewen was excellent to keep the surging Yellowjackets at bay. Of the sophomore's three saves in the second half, her best was likely on a 67th-minute strike from MSUB forward Jenna Sharpe.  Approaching the 18-yard box from dead center, Sharpe unleashed a bullet off her left foot. Loewen was just a touch faster, getting her fingertips on the ball to deflect it over the SFU goal.

Armed with their first conference win, the Red Leafs (2-1-1, 1-1-0) continue their season-opening road trip next week. SFU will head to Monmouth, Oregon to take on the Western Oregon Wolves (4-1-1, 1-1-0) on Thursday, September 28. The Red Leafs will then swing by Lacey, Washington to face the St. Martin's Saints (2-2-1, 0-1-0)  on Saturday, September 30.

Season tickets to women's soccer can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sfu-red-leafs-season-passes-men-womens-soccer-and-volleyball-tickets-680344246957


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