Junior midfielder Erik Rivas (7) Photo Tod Fierner
Saint Mary's men's soccer team has started off strong this season. They finished up preseason with a victory over UC Davis (2-6-0) and a 4-1-2 record. Compared with last year at this time (1-5-1), the Gael's are showing signs of promise.
Junior midfielder Erik Rivas led the campaign against the Aggies, scoring the only two goals by the Gaels. Rivas is tied with sopohmore Justin Grider to lead the team in goals scored (3) and points (7). In the eighth minute of play Rivas scored after Grider touched the ball past the Aggies' keeper. This is the second game in which the Gaels have scored in the first ten minutes.
The second goal came in the 36th minute off a pass from freshman midfielder Jose Cabeza. The Aggies scored in the second half but could not tie it up. Saint Mary's sophomore keeper Doug Herrick had seven saves in 90 minutes. Herrick has a total of 23 saves and averages 0.91 goals against.
Saint Mary's has been playing better at home (3-0-1) than away (1-1-1). The team looks to continue their undefeated home streak this weekend against Gonzaga on Friday at 4:00 p.m. and Portland on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
C. Graveson