Yellowjackets Top St. Mary’s, 2-1 (9/3/06)
Box Score
Game Photos
Coach McNally post-game audio
Junior Greg McKeever post-game audio

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State-Billings coaches, players, and fans held their breath through the final minutes of play Sunday as the men’s soccer program was on the verge of its first win of the season.  The Yellowjacket men picked up the win over Heartland Conference opponent St. Mary’s 2-1 at College of Technology Field.  The Yellowjackets improved to 1-2-2 while the Rattlers dropped to 1-1-1.

“It was a great result for us today,” said Yellowjacket head coach Dan McNally.  “We played hard in the first half and Sam (Charles) did a great job for us.  I believe that he will score a lot of goals for us as the season goes on.”

The Yellowjackets jumped out to the quick 1-0 lead just 7:23 into the first half.  A high ball bounced just right for the Jackets’ Sam Charles (Chiswell, England, who fired from eight yards out for the Jackets' first goal of the game. 

“When I hit the shot, I knew their keeper would have a hard time getting to the ball,” said Charles.  “As a team, we had to battle for the win and now that we have that, hopefully we can do it again.”

Just 13 minutes later, team captain Greg McKeever (Kirland, WA) drew a direct kick from the top of the box.  The Rattlers lined up to block the shot, but McKeever had just enough hook on the ball to sail it past the line and Rattler keeper Brett Collier.  McKeever's goal, which would turn out to be the eventual game-winner, came at the 20:46 mark. 

St. Mary’s came at the Jackets hard early in the second half posting 13 shots to the Jackets' seven.  That aggressiveness paid off at 59:54.  The Rattlers drew a foul inside the Jackets’ box to earn a penalty kick, which Rattler Jonathon Gray converted to draw St. Mary's to within a goal. 

“We dominated the first half of play but knew they were going to come at us in the second – and they did – scoring on a penalty kick,” added McNally.  “We made a couple of adjustments in the half that worked out, and in the last several minutes I thought we were going to score again.  My two captains, Greg (McKeever), and Josh Hernandez (Palmdale, CA) did a great job and led by example.”

As if the Yellowjackets could taste victory, they kicked into high gear pressuring St. Mary’s the closing 15 minutes of play.  As the final 10 seconds were counted down, the Jackets erupted off the bench to relish in the team’s win. 

The Yellowjackets and Rattlers had seven shots on goal apiece with St. Mary’s out-shooting the Jackets 22 to 12.  Erik Andrews (Kalispell, MT) posted six saves to pick up his first collegiate win..

The Yellowjackets remain at home hosting Heartland Conference opponent St. Edward’s University (1-0-0) September 9 at College of Technology Field.  Kickoff is 1:00 p.m.