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Nov. 15, 2012
SEATTLE - In their first NCAA Tournament game since 2007, the UW men's soccer team fought off a tough Air Force team to defeat the Falcons 1-0 in Seattle Friday night off of a set piece. Junior Michael Harris (Shoreline, Wash.) scored his first goal of the season in the 15th minute, heading the ball into the left corner of the net off of a corner kick taken by freshman James Moberg (Windsor, Calif.). No. 21 Washington (13-4-3) advances to the NCAA Second Round hosted by 12th-seeded Creighton (15-3-2) in Omaha, Neb., on Sunday at 3 p.m. PT. Washington has now won its last five first round games in NCAA Tournaments (2012, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003), but the Huskies have never won two-straight games in the postseason. The furthest the Huskies have advanced was the third round in 2003 after a first round bye. With 10 shutouts on the season, junior goalkeeper Spencer Richey (Seattle, Wash.) ranks third all-time in single-season school history. In career shutouts, he is two shy of second with 25. The best chance for Air Force came with just over 30 minutes left in regulation on a free kick that was award just outside the box. Kevin Durr took the shot that hit the top of the crossbar and then missed the rebound shot. It was the only shot on goal for the Falcons on the night. The Huskies took four shots on goal and 10 total in the game. It was a very physical match as the two teams were similar in speed and styles of play. Air Force held more possession in the second half putting dangerous balls in the box against the Husky defense and winning six total corners. Washington had five shots in each half and won three of its four corners in the second half. Senior Dylan Tucker-Gangnes, junior Taylor Peay, sophomore Andy Thoma and freshman Michael Gallagher were stellar on the back line helping to post the shutout. More information on the game at Creighton will be available in the coming days on www.gohuskies.com. |
