Men’s Soccer Downs Mary in Double Overtime, 1-0

Box Score

BISMARCK, ND – In two games versus the University of Mary this season, Montana State Billings junior forward Sam Charles has had the Marauders’ number.  Charles has scored four goals against Mary this season, however, none bigger than a double overtime, game winning goal Sunday on a wet, cold and rainy day giving the Jackets a 1-0 victory and their fifth win in a row.

“It was an excellent win today under very difficult conditions with the wind and rain,” head coach Dan McNally said.  “It was hard to play our normal great soccer, but the guys worked really hard and we deserved the win.  Matt Mitchell made a great save in overtime which kept it 0-0 and Sam Charles won us the game with a fantastic finish in double overtime.”

Charles took a pass from Garion Holian 1:55 into the second overtime and shot the ball from the left side of the net to the lower right corner for the game winner.  It was Charles’ seventh game winner of the season and third goal of the week.

Moments earlier, the Marauders (1-8-1) had a 1-on-1 with Mitchell who made a diving, reflex save and cleared the ball for the score.  It was Mitchell’s seventh save and most important of the day, equaling the season-high for saves this year with Sander Tollefson who also had seven in the opener against Dixie State, Aug. 29.  That game also went into double overtime. 

For the game, the Jackets (9-4) were led by Charles and Chris Andre who each had six shots.  Charles had three shots on goal, including the game winner.  MSUB out-shot Mary 20-15 and each team had seven shots on goal.  The Jackets also led in corner kicks, 8-0.

“We have won five straight games and we are playing great,” McNally added.  “We are looking forward to an exciting end to the season with five very difficult conference games and we are going to be ready to play.”

The Jackets look to avenge an earlier season home loss to Northwest Nazarene, Friday and travel to Western Washington Sunday for a key Great Northwest Athletic Conference showdown.  MSUB returns the favor at home with WWU Oct. 31 in the final home game of the season as four of the final five are on the road.