(Editor's note: MSUB Athletics release)
BISMARCK, N.D. – Montana State University Billings out-chanced No. 13 Eastern New Mexico University in the first half, but surrendered three goals in the second to fall 3-0 at MDU Resources Bowl in a non-conference men’s soccer game Saturday morning. The Greyhounds extended their win streak to six games and received goals from Craig Brand, Charlie Hackshall, and Cesar Ochoa as they struck seven shots on goal against ‘Jacket goalkeeper Jessy Martin. Dalton Ross made five saves to earn the shutout in goal for EMNU.
The Yellowjackets earned several chances to grab an early lead. Shantik Bedrosian recorded three shots on goal in the first half. Perhaps his most dangerous opportunity was a short angle shot from 15 yards right of the near post but Ross blocked the save one foot from the goal line.
Eastern New Mexico came out with more offensive energy in the second half. MSU Billings remained steadfast on defense until the 73rd minute. Hackshall earned a penalty kick on a handball and capitalized to give ENMU a 1-0 advantage. Ochoa followed with a goal less than four minutes later when he found the ball in a scrum of bodies inside the box. Brand added insurance in the 89th minute after he played the ball from right to left and beat Martin inside the penalty area.
“We started the game really well, with a lot of energy,” said MSUB head coach Thomas Chameraud. “We created chances and our plan was working really well. However, in the second half, we struggled a bit more and never really got back in the game after the first goal. Unfortunately, the penalty kick we conceded for the handball changed the momentum and more gaps opened up for them because we pressed to try and score a goal. Now Mary is coming our way on Monday and we will have to regroup to get a positive result.”
The Yellowjackets (1-3-1) have one non-conference game remaining Monday, September 23 against University of Mary (0-5-0) before the Great Northwest Athletic Conference opener against Northwest Nazarene approaches October 3. No. 13 Eastern New Mexico (5-0-0) travels to play West Texas A&M Thursday, September 26.
Bedrosian was named St. Vincent Healthcare player of the game for MSUB…EMNU earned five corner kicks compared to four for MSUB…The Yellowjackets committed 12 total fouls and had yellow cards issued to Bryan Maxwell (66’), Christian Thode (75’), and Yaniss Aka (82’). Eastern New Mexico committed six fouls. Robbie Jenkinson (49’), Dalton Ross (82’), and Joaquin Borruel (82’) had yellow cards against them...Aka and Cole Hage recorded one shot on goal apiece. Bedrosian led the Yellowjackets with three.
