Clan crush Saints, move up to seventh nationally

By Bryan Scott

The Clan is coming off a successful week where they knocked off the University of Mary Marauders and the Seattle Pacific Falcons. Their victims this time were the St. Martins University Saints (2–5 on the season).

It didn’t take long to start the assault against the Saints on Terry Fox Field in front of approximately 100 fans. In the seventh minute, freshman midfielder Alex Rowley crossed a corner kick which was one-timed by senior Michael Winter to give the Clan a 1–0 lead.  Rowley was back in his office, producing another assist off of a corner kick. This time it was defenceman and Red Lion Defensive Player of the Week Matt Besuschko, who cashed in with a header to put the Clan up 2–0 just 13 minutes into the game. Besuschko’s play impressed coach Alan Koch. “He fought through illness to help us contain an excellent SPU attack,” said Koch, “and he was the leader of a back four against SMU that limited them to very few opportunities.” Adam Staschuk added another goal from Ryan Dhillon before halftime. It was evident the Clan were the better team, as they dominated the shot totals 18–3 in the first half alone.

Ryan Dhillon continued to put up points in the second half. He scored twice in the 55th minute, putting the Clan up 5–0. Clan midfielder Justin Wallace, who finished the game with a goal and two assists, scored the final goal of the game. He had the same stats against the Falcons earlier in the week. The two goals and four assists earned him the Red Lion Offensive Player of the week. Wallace was modest about his award. “I thought the team played well this past week and this individual award is a bonus to go along with our great play,” said Wallace. Goaltender Hide Ozawa recorded two saves and the shutout for the Clan. The Clan badly outshot the Saints, 29–6 in the game.

Before last week, the Clan had dropped out of the national rankings, due to their loss to Northwest Nazarene Crusaders two weeks ago. The Clan vaulted up the standings with this impressive week. They are currently ranked seventh in the nation, with a record of 9–1. They sit alone on top of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, with a 5–1 record, just above the Crusaders, who are 4–0–2 in the conference.