University of Washington
Saint Mary's
Huskies Blank Saint Mary's 1-0
September 11, 2005 | Men's Soccer
Sept. 11, 2005
MORAGA, CALIF. - Sophomore defender Nick Loveless' header off a throw-in at the 44-minute mark was all the Huskies would need as they blanked Saint Mary's College, 1-0, in men's soccer action at Saint Mary's Stadium Sunday afternoon.
The win improves Washington's record to 2-1 overall, while the Gaels fell to 2-2.
"This is a big win for us, our first shutout," "UW head coach Dean Wurzberger said. "We had the lead at halftime for the first time this season. We wanted to be in charge of the game. We played extremely intelligent the last 10 minutes to hold on for the win. We showed a lot of maturity so this is a big step forward. The result was exactly what we were looking for. We played well and deserved to win."
Loveless' first career goal just before halftime proved to be the eventual gamewinner. Senior midfielder Mike Chabala's long throw-in set the play in motion and sophomore forward Ely Allen flicked a header to Loveless.
"Nick is short in stature but one of the best headers we have," Wurzberger said.
The shutout was the first on the season for Washington and senior goalkeeper Chris Eylander. The UW backline was greatly improved by the return of junior co-captain Ty Harden who sat out the first two matches with a hamstring injury. Harden was forced to leave late in the game, hampered by the same injury, but should be able to play next weekend.
Washington outshot Saint Mary's 12-8, including seven shots in the opening frame. Sophomore forward Spencer Schmidt tallied a team-high three shots for UW, while freshman Michael Clegg led the Gaels with three shots. SMC's goalie Brian Mason grabbed five saves.
The Huskies will wrap their season opening five-match road trip at a tournament hosted by the University of Denver next weekend. Washington will face the host Pioneers on Fri., Sept. 16 (3 p.m.), and Air Force, Sun., Sept. 18 (11 a.m.). UW then returns to make its home debut hosting the Husky Fever Classic, Sept. 23 and 25. The Huskies host Wisconsin Friday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. in their official home opener.
Washingon 1, Saint Mary's 0
Saint Mary's Stadium, Moraga, Calif.
Scoring - 1, UW, Nick Loveless (Ely Allen, Mike Chabala), 44:00.
Shots - UW 12, SMC 8
Corners - UW 4, SMC 2
Saves - UW 0 (Chris Eylander), SMC 5 (Brian Mason)
Fouls - UW 9, SMC 14
Offsides - UW 0, SMC 2
Attendance - 635
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