BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Saint Martin's men's soccer team (3-2-1) got a historic win in Bellingham on Thursday night, when freshman
Xander Koenig scored a late goal to give the Saints a hard-fought win, their first at WWU (3-3-1) since 2015.
It was a 0-0 tie up until the game-winner from Koenig fueled by well-played defense from a main back line of
Seth Kobata,
Brian Licona,
Daniel Shooshan, and
Zack Martin.
Nick Mueller put in another good performance in what was eventually another shutout performance as the keeper had eight saves.
"What a great night for the boys," said Head Coach
Rob Walker. "We weren't on the ball as much as we had wanted to be, but we worked our rear ends off when we were out of possession, and were pretty resolute. Western is a really good team and they cause you problems in every third of the field."
With just over two minutes to go in the game, a ball was shot forward by the Saints deflected around a bit before falling to Koenig who took a dribble and tucked it neatly into frame for the winner. Koenig, from Bellingham, had defeated the hosts in his hometown.
"We felt that
Diego Andrade had one of his best games as a Saint tonight with his work rate and magic on the ball," said Walker, "For the goal to come at the end and for
Xander Koenig to score on his return to Bellingham, made the night so special."
On Saturday night, the Saints dropped a contest 5-0 at Simon Fraser. It was 0-0 at half before the north-of-the-border magic ran out for the Saints.
Nick Mueller had seven saves for SMU while
Diego Andrade had the two shots for the Saints.
The Saints are finally back at home this week when they host the Yellowjackets of MSU-Billings on Thursday, October 5
th at Saints Field.
