HELENA, Mont. – A zero-goal effort this afternoon from the Corban University Men's Soccer team resulted in their first loss of the 2024 season in Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) action, as the Fighting Saints of Carroll College snagged a 2-0 home victory on their home turf to hand the Navy and Gold a loss for the first time in over two weeks.
"Difficult loss for our group, we didn't come out with the right energy, and I'll take some blame for that," explained Corban head coach Josh Rios Noonkester. "We have to be ready from the start, and we just weren't. They scored a quality goal early off our loss of possession in a dangerous spot. We didn't transition quickly enough, and it hurt us. Pleased with how we played out the first half with some decent chances created. We just didn't have it in the second half, and they had a good rhythm. Quick turnaround and our focus is on the next match. I'm confident we'll respond well tomorrow and play the way we're capable of."
Only six minutes into the match, the Saints (6-1-2, 5-0-0) jumped on the Warriors' (3-5-1, 2-1-1) defensive line with an early goal at Nelson Stadium by forward Alfie Snow, as he was assisted by defender Alan Gutierrez for the true freshmen connection. Another score shortly into the second period put the Saints ahead with an insurance goal thanks to forward Felix Billard, who was assisted by midfielder Michal Mojzis.
While six first half shots provided Corban with a slight opportunity on the offensive side of the field, only a single shot in the second half wasn't enough from the Warriors if they wanted a shot at a comeback bid. Over two-thirds of the Warriors' shots came from two players, as junior forward Rodrigo Bonilla and senior midfielder Grady Thurman each had a pair of shots and one on goal.
Defensively for the Navy and Gold, redshirt junior goalkeeper Isaac Pureco was busy with his 12 saves on the day, yet the two goals allowed resulted in his first losing decision in a three-week span. Meanwhile for Carroll, goalkeeper Juan Muniz Navarette pitched a shutout between the posts while deflecting a trio of save opportunities.
Corban Men's Soccer continues their road trip through Montana tomorrow afternoon with a contest against the University of Providence (3-5-0, 2-3-0) at 3:30pm MT/2:30pm PT.
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