MORAGA, Calif.— The Gaels played a strong match on Sunday against the Gonzaga Bulldogs, winning 1-0 on a goal from Jake Rudel. With the win, Saint Mary's was crowned the 2018 West Coast Conference Champions.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Rudel scored the lone goal of the match and his 13th of the season during the 76th minute after being subbed in less than a minute prior. The shot was powered into the back left corner of the net off an assist from Jakub Svehlik, who had also only been subbed in less than a minute before the goal was scored. The Gaels went up 1-0 and held the Bulldogs scoreless for the rest of the match to pick up the win.

The first half between the Gaels and the Bulldogs was largely defensive on Sunday afternoon. Gonzaga and Saint Mary's both took seven shots, with two shots on goal for the Gaels from Stephen Dougherty and Joseph Restani.

The Bulldogs had four shots on goal and Remi Prieur's most important save was collected during the 23rd minute after a breakaway for Demitrius Kigeya. The shot was headed to the back left corner of the goal before Prieur stretched out and blocked the shot with his hand.

The second half saw a number of close attempts by the Gaels, including shots from Anders Engebretsen and Rudel. During the 59th minute, Engebretsen crossed the ball to Rudel, who headed the ball towards the left side of the net, but the shot went wide and rolled out. The next seven minutes saw a number of close shots from the Gaels, including two more that Engebretsen took himself.

Engebretsen had another close shot in the 88th minute, but it bounced off the crossbar and was shot again by Restani, however the second shot went high.

THOUGHTS FROM ADAM COOPER

• "I couldn't be more proud of team and everything we've accomplished throughout the year. This team comes to work everyday and has battled through the hard times."
• "It takes an army to win a championship. It takes the the players, coaches, administrators, athletic trainers and more so thank you to everyone who's been involved."
• "At the end of the day, our job's not done. We have to go up to Portland and get a result and then we'll get ready for the tournament."
• "I don't think any team thinks they're going to go undefeated through their first 17 games but we knew we had a talented group and just needed to put the pieces of the puzzle together as best we could. Sometimes, a piece falls off but the guys have dealt with everything that's been thrown at them." 
• "We're still taking it one game at a time, we will not overlook Portland. It's an important game for us to keep our momentum heading into the tournament. Do I think we can make a run? I think anything is possible with this group. Guys are stepping up and doing their job."

QUICK FACTS

• This is the second time in program history that Saint Mary's has been crowned WCC Champions, the last time was in 2011.
• Remi Prieur collected five saves during the match, bringing his total this season to 52.
• The Gaels outshot the Bulldogs 16 to 12 in the match and Engebretsen led the team with six shots.
• Senior Dougherty had two shots and two shots on goal during his final regular season home game as a Gael.
• Saint Mary's earned the automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament and will await selection and seeding determination.

UP NEXT: FINAL MATCH

• The Gaels will travel north for their final match of the season next week with Saint Mary's taking on the No. 11 Portland Pilots on Saturday at 7 p.m.