Huskies Snag Goal In Final Minutes, Capture First Win Of Season

Thursday, September 1

Moraga, Calif.

4:30 PM

University of Washington

1-1-0

Saint Mary's (CA)

0-1-2

Washington

Saint Mary's (CA)

Huskies Snag Goal In Final Minutes, Capture First Win Of Season

September 01, 2016 | Men's Soccer

Box Score Washington at St. Mary's Final Box Men's Soccer Final Box at St. Mary's

MORAGA, CALIF. – The University of Washington earned their first win of the 2016 season after a goal in the 86^th minute, finishing 2-1 against St. Mary's. The Gaels outshot the Huskies in the first half, but the Huskies' offense held strong in the second half, outshooting SMC 13-11 at the conclusion of the match.

"We showed a lot of character again today after coming back from an early deficit," said head coach Jamie Clark. "Hopefully it's something we can avoid in the future by staying airtight at the back, but it's good to know that we have a team that can overcome decicits."

The match saw action early on as St. Mary's scored the first goal in the third minute of the game. Mason Robertson answered as he found the back of the net with a header in the tenth minute, his 15^th of his career. Justin Fiddes set the play up, earning the assist. The game was tied at 1-1.

Midfielder Beau Blanchard played a key role defensively when he blocked a shot taken by the Gaels right outside the net. Goalkeeper Auden Schilder also saved a shot from 19 yards in the 40^th minute.
The Huskies also saw a shot from David Coly in 44^th minute. The teams went into the half tied.

The team picked up the offense in the second half, making 11 of 13 their shots and cinsistently pressuring SMC's box. Freshman Handwalla Bwana had two great looks in the first few minutes of the half, but the first was saved and the second went wide.

A foul was called late in the 85^th minute, creating a scoring opportunity for the Huskies. Justin Schmidt lined up for the kick but the ball went wide.

The game winning goal came in the 86^th minute from freshman Handwalla Bwana from the near right corner, making the score 2-1. Bwana was assisted by Scott Menzies.

"It's so great to see Mason Robertson back on the score sheet," said Clark. "When he's healthy he's one of the best attacking players in the country, and he's just now getting his feet back under him. On the flip side, it's fun to see Handwalla Bwana score his first goal. It certainly won't be his last. He is a creative attacking player and just a joy to watch."

Other shots in the second half came from Henry Wingo (2), Kyle Coffee (2), Scott Menzies (1) and Justin Schmidt (1).

The Dawgs will play in their season home opener on Sunday, Sept. 4 at 3 p.m. at Husky Soccer Stadium. Tickets for the match can be purchased HERE.

For continued coverage on the Husky Men's Soccer Team, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @uw_msoccer, on Facebook at Washington Husky Men's Soccer and gohuskies.com.