By Bryan Scott
Photos by Mark Britch
Clan lose first game since 2010, win second game
The Simon Fraser men’s soccer team ran into unfamiliar territory on Sept. 15, they lost for the first time since Nov. 21, 2010. The Northwest Nazarene Crusaders ended the Clan’s 24 game unbeaten streak, winning the game at Terry Fox Field, 2–1. “It’s great to have tied the GNAC record for consecutive unbeaten games, but it’s very disappointing not to get the three points today,” said Clan head coach Alan Koch.
It seemed as though the bounces were going against the Clan, as they fired four shots in the first 10 minutes of the game, including a shot off the post. The game remained scoreless for the entire first half; the shots were close at 7–5.
The Clan dominated the shot column at 15–5 in the second half, but not the scoreboard. In the 71st minute, the Crusaders buried their first goal on a scramble in the box. They added their second goal in the 87th minute. Clan midfielder Chris Bargholz managed to knock in a header off a Carlo Basso pass in the 89th minute, but it wasn’t enough. The Crusaders goaltender Alfredo Ontiveros made five saves in the second half alone to keep the lead safe.
The Clan must have learned from their lessons against the Crusaders, because they came out flying against the University of Sioux Falls Cougars. Once again the Clan pummeled the opposing goalie with shots, but still come up scoreless at the end of the first half. This trend wouldn’t last long, as the Clan scored three goals in four minutes to start the second half. After the cougars broke the shutout in the 57th minute, the Clan added more goals to win 5–1. This game also saw four yellow cards, with only one going to SFU.
Splitting this week’s games means the Clan are 6–1 on the season and 2–1 in conference play. The Clan’s next stop is Bismarck, ND to take on the University of Mary Marauders.
