MSU Billings Falls to Rocky in Women’s Soccer Action (September 25, 2002)

BILLINGS, MT – Rocky Mountain College used three first-half goals to down MSU Billings 3-1 at Yellowjacket Field on Tuesday afternoon.  It was the first of two games between the schools this year that will decide the winner of the 2002 Rimrock Cup trophy. 

MSU Billings controlled the ball for most of the first 15 minutes of the match, but Rocky struck first on Lauren Brune’s goal in the 21^st minute.  Brittany Hessenthaler and Krystal Silva were each credited with an assist.  That goal shifted the momentum to the Bears, who went up 2-0 on Summer Beagle’s goal in the 27^th minute.  Silva picked up her second assist of the game on Beagle’s goal.

In the 33^rd minute, Jeannie McGonagle’s penalty kick was saved by Yellowjacket goalkeeper Cori Russell, but McGonagle scored on the rebound to give Rocky a 3-0 lead.  By rule, since an opposing player touched the ball on the penalty kick, McGonagle could play it again.  Her second shot found the back of the net while Russell was still on the ground after the first save.

MSU Billings narrowed the lead to 3-1 just 44 seconds before halftime on Mandy Reed’s long shot from just inside the midfield line.  The shot just went over the reach of goalkeeper Jana Reiman’s outstretched hands.

Despite 16 total shots in the second half, neither team could find the net.  Russell recorded four second-half saves, and Reiman notched three to keep the score 3-1.  Rocky improved to 4-1-2 on the season while MSU Billings fell to 1-7. 

The Yellowjackets next play at Seattle University on September 28 and at Simon Fraser on September 29.  They will return home on October 5 to host Jamestown College on Magic City Soccer Youth Soccer Day at Yellowjacket Field.