Late Goal Sinks Jackets in Heartbreaker, 1-0

Box score

BILLINGS, Mont. – A goal by Simon Fraser’s Justin Carvery in the 86th minute broke a scoreless tie as the Clan defeated Montana State Billings 1-0 at the MSUB Soccer Field Friday afternoon.  With the loss the Yellowjackets fall to 3-2 on the year, while Simon Fraser, ranked fifth nationally in NAIA, improved to 5-2.

“I am very proud of the guys today,” head coach Dan McNally said.  “We worked very hard as a team against an excellent Simon Fraser club which is one of the best teams we will play all year.  It was unfortunate that we conceded late in the game, but we will rebound on Sunday and work hard to get a positive result against Great Falls.”

The game was a high level affair as each team battled very hard.  The game was scoreless at half, but both teams had their chances in the first half to get on the board.  The Jackets had three good looks in the opening half and Simon Fraser had five shots in the first half with three hitting off the post.

The high intensity continued into the second half as both teams showed great character and a refuse to lose attitude.  Carvery came down the middle of the field as Yellowjacket keeper, Matt Mitchell came out to challenge and the ball squirted past him for the score in the 86th minute. 

Both teams play very even as Simon Fraser held a slim 12-9 lead in shots.  Mitchell had five saves in the game for MSUB, while Thomas Lindley made three stops for the Clan.  Both teams had four corner kicks a piece.

Scott Dixon led the way for the Yellowjackets with three shots and one on goal.  Sam Charles had two shots, snapping a string of four consecutive games with goals this season.  Carvery had a team-high two shots for Simon Fraser.

The Yellowjackets will be back in action Sunday at 3 p.m. against Great Falls at the MSUB Soccer Field.