The Collegian

Issue date: 11/7/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Argenis Rubio Senior Desmond Brooks anchored the Gaels' defense in his final collegiate match on Sunday against Portland.

The Gaels had a tough weekend, playing the Gonzaga Bulldogs on Friday and then the Portland Pilots on Sunday. On Friday, the Gaels suffered a hard loss to the Bulldogs, 3-0. On Sunday, the men finished in a 1-1 tie against the Pilots in double overtime.

On Friday, both teams came out a bit weak in the first half, jockeying physically for position to make up for the lack of technique on both sides. The two teams traded long balls and possessions for about 30 minutes, until the Bulldogs picked up the pace for the last 15 minutes of the first half. The effort paid off with the Bulldogs earning a goal in the 37th minute of play on a shot to the low corner from about 25 yards out.

The Gaels were more successful in the second half, controlling the pace and style of most of the play. Despite several good scoring chances, they were ultimately beaten by the superior organization and passing of the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs scored again in the 80th and 86th minutes, finishing the game 3-0.

On Sunday, the Gaels came out strong to play the Portland Pilots in the final match of the season.

The Gaels started the game early, with a good look at the goal in the second minute of play. They continued to attack throughout the game, racking up seven shots on goal in the first half and eight more in the second.

The Gaels' organization and passing were infinitely better than in Friday's match, and the improvement paid off with the Gaels marking the first goal of the match in the 26th minute.

Sophomore Carlos Diaz took the first corner of the game and placed it perfectly on the far post where senior Alex Christlieb headed it into the keeper's box. The play was finished by Gael senior Corey Heldreth who headed it past the keeper from five yards out.

Unfortunately for the Gaels, this was their only goal for the game, and the Pilots responded in the in the 61st minute in a similar fashion. The Pilots dropped a beautiful corner kick to the far post, where it was headed to the top of the keeper's box by Christopher Sanders. Patrick Jurney then volleyed the ball into the net from five yards out.

Throughout the game, both teams had several scoring chances, with shots going off the posts or being narrowly saved by the keepers, who both had phenomenal games.

Gael keeper junior David Lenser was a force to be reckoned with as he kept his defense in line and tallied four saves for the day.

The Gaels finish their season 4-10-6 overall and 2-7-3 in West Coast Conference.

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