Yellowjackets Fall Short Against No. 7 Metro State

Box Score

SALT LAKE CITY – Montana State Billings’ upset bid of No. 7 Metro State fell short Monday, 2-1.  With the loss the Yellowjackets fall to 1-1 on the year, while Metro State improves to 2-1. 

“We are very disappointed with the result,” head coach Dan McNally said.  “This game shows how far we have come because losing to the No. 7 team in the country is not good enough for these players.  It was a very even game.”

Metro State scored the first goal in the 16th minute as Kellen Johnson received a pass from Ri Armstrong and a backwards chip over the goalkeeper from about 18 yards out for a 1-0 lead. 

Less than five minutes later, Sam Charles went one-on-one with the keeper and scored from about 10 yards out to even the game.  With the goal, Charles becomes the all-time leader in goals in school history, breaking former Yellowjacket Dave Austin’s record of 27 scores.  Chris Andre had the assist on the goal.  In addition, Charles also broke the school record for career points with 62. The old mark had been 61 set by Dave Austin. 

Metro State’s Steven Emory scored on a rebounded shot off a direct kick just before halftime to put Metro up 2-1 going into intermission. 

Both teams played to a scoreless second half as Metro State hung on for the victory.

Charles led the Jackets with seven shots and three on goal.  Andre was the only other Jacket with a shot as he had two on goal and an assist.  Johnson paced Metro State with four shots, three on goal and an assist to go along with his goal. 

The Yellowjackets return home for five straight games, beginning Friday, Sept. 5 at 5 p.m. against Mesa State in the home opener.

“I am very proud of the way our guys played,” added McNally.  “We are coming home for five straight home games and it’s important that we work hard and get better.”