Loggers Fall to Banana Slugs 2-0

TACOMA, Wash. -- The Loggers dropped their first game of the season to last year's Coast 2 Coast champion, University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) 2-0. 

How it Happened
The Loggers found themselves in a deficit early, as just three minutes into the game, the Banana Slugs found the back of the net. It was all Slugs early on, but the Loggers were able to deter their attacks with several key saves by Luke Mamiya. The Slugfest continued, though, as UCSC scored their second goal of the game in the 23rd minute. 

Puget Sound turned on the front foot and put some pressure on the Slugs following their second goal, with Jackson Smith firing two shots in the 20th and 36th minutes. A breakaway chance for Smith and a bad foul on UCSC's Gavin Lane put Lane in the book with a red card. Smith fired a shot to the top right corner immediately following the send-off, but an impressive save kept the Loggers from the back of the net. 

In the second half, there was a lot of solid soccer played by both sides. The two teams traded shots back and forth, and the Loggers turned the possession in their favor. Despite shots by Smith, Owen Pschigoda, and Sebastian Telles in the second half, they were unable to find a goal. The Slugs ended up taking the match 2-0, as the Loggers dropped their first match of the season. 

Top Performers
Smith was the primary force on offense, leading the team in both shots (4) and shots on goal (1). Parker Norris also had two saves and a shutout second half, keeping the score respectable. 

Coach's Thoughts
"It was a tough game against a strong opponent," said Loggers head coach Steve Mohn. "Santa Cruz started the game on the front foot, putting us under pressure from the opening whistle. We had some good moments, and their keeper made an excellent save. We'll reset tonight and look to come out fighting tomorrow." 

What Happens Next
The Loggers have a fairly quick turnaround, hosting Wheaton College tomorrow, today, September 6th, at 1:30 pm.

By Puget Sound