Box Score Box Score

Billings, Mont. – The Montana State Billings men's soccer team entered their third away trip of the season with confidence. In their way stood a very solid University of Sioux Falls team and despite their record, the Cougars have been playing well. The Yellowjackets effectively passed this test defeating Sioux Falls 1-0 with a second half goal.
 
MSUB started their offensive attack early with Clifton Thomas and Christian Wilhelmsen taking shots on goal in the third minute of play. Sioux Falls goal keeper Kyle Simons played both attempts effectively and came up with two saves.
 
In the fifth minute of the contest the Cougars took their first shot of the match that landed on target, but was denied by sophomore goal keeper Eoin Hurley. Both teams battled back and forth midway through the half, each taking shots that went wide of the goal.
 
The first half concluded with a header by Conner Moe in the 38^th minute that went wide and two shots by Sioux Falls with one being on goal. Hurley came up with his second save of the match and the Yellowjackets and Sioux Falls entered the break, even 0-0.
 
Joshua Marocchi started MSUB's offense in the second half taking his first shot of the match that landed wide in the 48^th minute of play. Ryan Keohane and Conner Shefte countered for the Cougars with shots in the 49^th and 55^th. Matt Brink and the backline played great defense and both attempts went wide.
 
The Jackets picked up the pace offensively, out shooting the opposition 6-1 between the 62^nd and 83^rd minute. Landon Horst took two shots during this run with one landing on goal. Senior Thomas Sheets took three quality shots that unfortunately landed off target.
 
As the match seemed as if it was heading into overtime sophomore Kyle Emerick linked up with Marocchi to lift MSUB past the Cougars. In the 86^th minute Emerick gave a great cross pass to Marocchi who completed the play with a shot to the right side of the net, giving the Yellowjackets the 1-0 lead. The score marks his first goal of the 2012 season.
 
Sioux Falls was not able to get a shot attempt off in the closing minutes of the game and MSUB captured their fourth road victory of the season to bring their overall record to 5-2-1 and their Great Northwest Athletic Conference record to 2-2-1.
 
“Not our best game tonight but we kept going and found the winner,” stated head coach Dan McNally. “We defended well when we had to and a clean sheet on the road is always a bonus. The assist from Kyle was the best moment of the game and it was great to see Josh score. He has worked hard over the last two years and he is getting his rewards. We are happy to get the win and keep our good run going.”

The Yellowjackets out shot Sioux Falls 13-8, and had the advantage in shots on goal 4-2. Hurley had two saves on the day and registered his third shutout of the season.

For their second away contest of the weekend, MSUB will head north to Bismarck, N.D. to compete against the University of Mary on Saturday Sept. 29 at 3:00 p.m. (Central Time). In last year's matchup the Jackets defeated the Marauders 1-0 on their home turf.