‘Jackets Blanked 1-0 at Western Washington

Box Score

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Montana State Billings men’s soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision at Western Washington Sunday afternoon.  With the loss, the Yellowjackets fall to 9-6 on the year and 2-3 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, while WWU improves to 8-5-2 and 4-1 in conference play.

“This season has been very difficult as we have lost six games by one goal,” head coach Dan McNally said.  “The difference between us being a top 25 team and being a .500 team is very slim.  We are still 9-6, we have done some great things and we are going to work hard to end the season strong.”

WWU’s Michael Ricci scored the lone goal in the 36th minute as he received passes from Matt Pele and Gibson Bardsley for a quick shot from five yards out in the upper net past Matt Mitchell.

WWU held a 10-2 lead in shots in the first half and a 5-1 lead in corners.  Mitchell had three saves in the first half, while MSUB had two shots on goal. 

For the game, MSUB was held to just six shots with five on goal while WWU had 20 shots with six on goal.  The Vikings held a 7-1 lead in corner kicks as well. 

The conference’s leading goal scorer, Sam Charles, was held in check for just the third time this season.  He did have four shots and three on goal.  MSUB is 1-2 when Charles doesn’t score.

The Yellowjackets and the Vikings have a 12-day layoff before playing each other again Friday, Oct. 31 at the COT Field at 3:30 p.m.  It will be Senior Day and the final regular season home game for MSUB.