Late Goal Lifts Yellowjackets in Key Regional Matchup, 1-0

Box Score

BILLINGS, Mont. – Melissa Carlson broke a scoreless tie in the 83rd minute to lift the Montana State Billings to a 1-0 victory over the University of Mary Saturday afternoon at the MSUB Soccer Field.  With the victory, the Yellowjackets improve to 4-2 on the year, while Mary falls to 0-6.

“Our defense played well today against a very good Mary team,” head coach Don Trentham said.  “We were patient and capitalized on our opportunity.”

The teams played to a scoreless first half as each team had three shots and two saves.  Neither team had much of an advantage in the opening half.  The second half began with the Marauders coming out of the gates shooting.  Mary had eight shots in the second half to just one for the Yellowjackets.  However, the one shot was a goal.  Yellowjacket keeper, Jordan Fenwick, made four crucial saves in the second half to preserve the victory and the shutout. The Maruaders had one shot which banged off the post and away from the net.    

On a clear out, Mandy Ploskonka took the ball up field had a nice pass from about midfield to the corner of the 18-yard box to Carlson, who turned and placed the ball right over the fingertips of Marauder goalkeeper Carly Feiler for the score.

The Marauders out-shot MSUB 11-4 for the game and 7-3 in shots on goal.  Carlson led the Jackets with two shots on goal and the game winner.  It was her first game winner of the season and Ploskonka’s team-leading third assist of the year.

The Yellowjackets continue their home stand next Friday at 4 p.m. versus Carroll College at the MSUB Soccer Field.