MSOC | Second Half Surge Puts Air Force Past Gaels
9/17/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
MORAGA, Calif. — The Saint Mary's men's soccer team scored twice in the first half Friday, but visiting Air Force scored two unanswered in the second and came away with a 3-2 edge over the Gaels in a non-conference game at Saint Mary's Stadium.
The Gaels (1-4-2) led 2-1 at halftime after coming from behind to take the lead. Air Force (3-3) took a 1-0 lead just 4 minutes, 29 seconds into the game on a goal from Tucker Bone, but an equalizer by Michael Dingle and penalty kick goal from Stephen Dougherty just before halftime put SMC ahead.
The Falcons got their own equalizer in the 55th minute, then got the eventual game-winner in the 76th for the 3-2 victory. Saint Mary's outshot Air Force 19-6 but was equal in shots on goal at 5-5. The Gaels also held a 9-3 advantage in corner kicks but did not score off any set pieces in the game.
Dingle's first career goal came in the 29th minute and evened a game that had been 1-0 in AFA's favor for 25 minutes. A turnover in midfield created an opportunity for SMC. Dougherty trapped a pass and turned on his defender, dribbling hard to the right. But he passed the ball sharply to the left, finding Dingle just outside the penalty area. Dingle zig-zagged through two defenders and took a sliding shot that beat the goalkeeper and made it 1-1.
Later, with just 18 seconds left in the first half, Air Force's Cameron Duley was called for a hard penalty in the box, awarding Saint Mary's with a penalty kick. Dougherty would take the opportunity, converting on one touch to give the Gaels a 2-1 advantage.
In the second half, two connecting cross passes were all Air Force would need to complete their chances and go ahead. Trey Pujats tied the game 9 1/2 minutes into the second half with a goal from the middle of the box after Austin Dewing had sent him the cross. The game stayed tied for the next 20 minutes. Saint Mary's missed on four shot opportunities during that stretch. Jacob Yarnell's chip-shot goal from the left side in the 76th minute, thanks to Luis Martinez's cross pass, gave Air Force the eventual 3-2 win.
Saint Mary's closes its four-match home stand at 1 p.m. Sunday when it hosts Cal State Fullerton. Season tickets and single-match tickets are available for this and all Saint Mary's home matches. Purchase tickets by clicking here or by calling the Saint Mary's ticket office at 925-631-GoTx.
FOLLOW ALONG
For up-to-date news, photos, videos and other features you can follow Saint Mary's College varsity athletic teams on Twitter (@SMCGaels), Instagram (@SMCGaels) and Facebook (Facebook.com/SMCGaels). You can also watch great video on-demand highlights and features as well as most Gaels sporting events live via GaelVision on SMCGaels.com.
SUPPORT THE GAELS
A gift to the Gael Athletic Fund directly benefits Saint Mary's student-athletes. This allows them the opportunity to attain an education guided by our Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts traditions while participating in a competitive athletic experience. Monies raised through the Fund will assist in funding scholarships, facilities, operating budgets and academic support.
Players Mentioned
MF
/ Men's SoccerMSOC | Bentley PK save and Toelhoej penalty goal, 1-1 draw vs. Seattle U
Saturday, September 27
MSOC | Saint Mary's vs. UC Davis Game Highlights
Thursday, September 04
MSOC | Postgame Interview vs. Cal Poly
Monday, August 26
MSOC | Bentley save vs. Cal Poly
Sunday, August 25
