Sunday, March 7
Missoula, Mont.
Noon
Montana
1-0-0
3
vs
0
MSU Billings
2-2-0
1
2
F
MSU Billings
0
0
0
Montana
1
2
3
Photo by: Derek Johnson
Rust? What rust? Griz win 3-0
3/7/2021 5:07:00 PM | Soccer
The Montana soccer team ended a nearly 16-month hiatus from competitive matches on Sunday, and you never would have known it.
The Grizzlies (1-0-0) got goals from three different players and career shutout No. 27 from Claire Howard in a 3-0 victory over MSU Billings at Missoula County Stadium.
Montana had last been on the field against an opponent on Nov. 8, 2019.
"There were some nerves, but once we got into this environment, we were so excited," said Howard, who is two away from tying the Big Sky Conference record for career shutouts.
"It didn't feel like it had been 500 days. We just fell right back into place, which is a good feeling. I think we looked good."
Alexa Coyle opened the scoring in the 15th minute with career goal No. 15, which leaves her one away from breaking into the top 10 in the program record book.
Taylor Hansen made it 2-0 in the 51st minute. Taylor Stoeger put Montana up 3-0 in the 62nd. All three goals were unassisted.
The Grizzlies outshot the Yellowjackets (2-2-0) 17-3 while maintaining possession 59 percent of the match. More than 60 percent of that possession was on the offensive end of the field.
Montana put eight of its 17 shots on goal.
"We've been working for 400 days on trying to develop a new attacking identity, a way of playing going forward that still maintains the defensive solidity we always have," said coach Chris Citowicki.
"Outside of a little wobble in the second half once that third goal went in, when I think we eased off a little bit, I thought it was a great first performance. I couldn't have asked for anything more."
The first goal was classic Coyle. She had space 20 yards out in front of goal and unleashed a left-footed shot that cleared the right post. It was a thing of beauty in both power and placement.
Hansen's was probably accidental but proved that luck is the residue of design.
She pounced on a loose ball on the right wing and played it toward the far post, where she had a teammate attacking the net.
The ball got over the keeper's outstretched hand and cleared the head of her teammate and just went into the goal on its own.
Stoeger scored when she collected a loose ball and attacked the right side of the goal.
She sent her shot from eight yards out directly over the head of the MSUB goalkeeper, who got her hands on the ball but not enough to keep it out of the goal.
Citowicki was able to get 23 players into the match, 11 starters plus a dozen subs.
Making their debuts were Mimi Eiden and Molly Quarry, both of whom started, and Josie Windauer and Alejandra Melendez off the bench.
"We can sub and the team still looks good and continues to play well," said Citowicki. Added Howard, "It's such a cool feeling knowing anybody can come in and make an impact."
Montana will take a step up in competition when the Grizzlies open their Big Sky schedule next weekend with a pair of matches at Idaho (0-2-0).
The Vandals lost 3-0 to both Oregon State and Washington State in February.
The teams will play at 7 p.m. (MT) on Friday and 2 p.m. (MT) on Sunday at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow.
The Grizzlies (1-0-0) got goals from three different players and career shutout No. 27 from Claire Howard in a 3-0 victory over MSU Billings at Missoula County Stadium.
Montana had last been on the field against an opponent on Nov. 8, 2019.
"There were some nerves, but once we got into this environment, we were so excited," said Howard, who is two away from tying the Big Sky Conference record for career shutouts.
"It didn't feel like it had been 500 days. We just fell right back into place, which is a good feeling. I think we looked good."
Alexa Coyle opened the scoring in the 15th minute with career goal No. 15, which leaves her one away from breaking into the top 10 in the program record book.
Taylor Hansen made it 2-0 in the 51st minute. Taylor Stoeger put Montana up 3-0 in the 62nd. All three goals were unassisted.
The Grizzlies outshot the Yellowjackets (2-2-0) 17-3 while maintaining possession 59 percent of the match. More than 60 percent of that possession was on the offensive end of the field.
Montana put eight of its 17 shots on goal.
"We've been working for 400 days on trying to develop a new attacking identity, a way of playing going forward that still maintains the defensive solidity we always have," said coach Chris Citowicki.
"Outside of a little wobble in the second half once that third goal went in, when I think we eased off a little bit, I thought it was a great first performance. I couldn't have asked for anything more."
The first goal was classic Coyle. She had space 20 yards out in front of goal and unleashed a left-footed shot that cleared the right post. It was a thing of beauty in both power and placement.
Hansen's was probably accidental but proved that luck is the residue of design.
She pounced on a loose ball on the right wing and played it toward the far post, where she had a teammate attacking the net.
The ball got over the keeper's outstretched hand and cleared the head of her teammate and just went into the goal on its own.
Stoeger scored when she collected a loose ball and attacked the right side of the goal.
She sent her shot from eight yards out directly over the head of the MSUB goalkeeper, who got her hands on the ball but not enough to keep it out of the goal.
Citowicki was able to get 23 players into the match, 11 starters plus a dozen subs.
Making their debuts were Mimi Eiden and Molly Quarry, both of whom started, and Josie Windauer and Alejandra Melendez off the bench.
"We can sub and the team still looks good and continues to play well," said Citowicki. Added Howard, "It's such a cool feeling knowing anybody can come in and make an impact."
Montana will take a step up in competition when the Grizzlies open their Big Sky schedule next weekend with a pair of matches at Idaho (0-2-0).
The Vandals lost 3-0 to both Oregon State and Washington State in February.
The teams will play at 7 p.m. (MT) on Friday and 2 p.m. (MT) on Sunday at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow.
Team Stats
MSUB
UM
Goals
0
3
Shots
3
17
Shots on Goal
1
8
Saves
5
1
Corners
1
6
Fouls
9
7
Scoring Plays
Coyle, Alexa (1)
GOAL by UM Coyle, Alexa (FIRST GOAL), goal number 1 for season.
14:40
Hansen, Taylor (1)
GOAL by UM Hansen, Taylor, goal number 1 for season.
50:14
Stoeger, Taylor (1)
GOAL by UM Stoeger, Taylor, goal number 1 for season.
61:08
Game Leaders
Shots
5
SOG
3
Goals
1
Assists
0
fwd
Shots
4
SOG
2
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
2
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Players Mentioned
F
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