College soccer notes: Gonzaga men off to best start in 36 years
Enjoying its best start in 36 years, GU is 5-0-1 after a comeback win Sunday at George Mason.
The Bulldogs’ unbeaten streak is now at seven, dating back to the final game of the 2015 season. That’s the longest since a seven-game stretch in the middle of the 2013 season.
More impressively, GU is 2-0 against ranked teams, including Seattle and American. GU can make it 3-0 on Thursday, when it visits No. 12 Utah Valley.
On Sunday, GU did it the hard way, overcoming an early one-goal deficit with second-half scores from Christon Michaelson and Ben White to beat George Mason 2-1.
“This was a great comeback for the team because we haven’t been behind this year. It was a different game, definitely a learning lesson for the guys,” coach Einar Thorarinsson said.
“That was a tall team so we had to switch our attack in the second half and keep the ball on the ground more. It was our ground attack that won us this game today. We just have to keep going at it one game at a time,” Thorarinsson said.
The Bulldogs are winning with defense, holding opponents to six goals while starting goalkeeper Ben Willis has a 0.96 goals-against average.
Eastern improves to 5-1: The Eagles are halfway through another successful road trip, while forward Chloe Williams is on the verge of making history.
Thanks to a 3-1 win at St. Mary’s on Sunday, Eastern is 5-1 heading into Wednesday’s game at Nebraska-Omaha. Two days later, the Eagles are at South Dakota to cap off a four-matches-in-eight-days trip.
With her third goal in two matches, Williams is tied for first on the all-time points leader board at EWU with 55. She now just needs an assist to take the points title from Cassie Black (2011-14).
On the season, Williams has nine total points on four goals and one assist.
Williams, from Lewis & Clark High School, also has 21 career goals, moving her just three behind the all-time goals leader Cassie Black.
GU’s Edwards wins 100th: Gonzaga women’s coach Kelly Bieraugel scored five minutes into the match, providing the Bulldogs with their fourth win of the season and giving coach Amy Edwards her 100th career win.
“I’m extremely excited with our team’s mentality today,” said Edwards, who won 47 at Tulsa and now has 53 at Gonzaga. “Our defensive commitment and organization continue to grow each game.”
The Bulldogs improved to 4-2-1 overall going into their final non-conference match of the year, Thursday against Boise State. The Bulldogs return home for their final non-conference match at Luger Field this season against Boise State.