Oct. 14, 2009

Final Stats

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The Navy men's soccer team won its third straight game with a 1-0 decision over Howard at a rainy, cold Glenn Warner Soccer Facility on Wednesday night. The victory improved Navy to 8-5-0 overall while Howard dropped to 2-9-2.

The eight wins matches the most for the program since the 2001 team went 11-3-3. The 2005 team also won eight games (8-6-2).

"I thought we did a lot of things well. It obviously would have been nice to get a second goal, but our defense held tight and got the shutout," said Navy head coach Dave Brandt. "When you are on offense and attacking so much, it can get frustrating to not get that second goal when you have so many chances. But I was proud of our defense to hold tight."

Navy scored the only goal it needed with just 1:19 remaining in the first half. Freshmen Michael Uyehara (Agoura Hills, Calif.) and Eric Wootten (Woodbridge, Va.) executed a wonderful give-and-go to produce the game's only goal. Uyehara fed Wootten at the top of the box, then streaked past Wootten, who dished it to Uyehara in stride. Uyehara then found some space and rocketed a shot past Howard goalkeeper Victor Thomas inside the right post for a 1-0 advantage. Uyehara's goal was the second of his season, while Wootten dished out his first career assist.

Navy had several strong chances in the second half, but couldn't find the back of the net, outshooting the Bison, 11-3, in the game's final 45 minutes.

"The way we play its difficult to be up just one goal, and its an unusual situation for us. Our culture is to keep pushing and trying to get another goal no matter how much time is left. They almost tied the game late," said Brandt. "Most of the times, when a team gets a lead, they become more defensive. We want to keep attacking and get another one, and its something we need to adjust to and keep focusing on the defensive end."

The shutout was the third of the career for goalkeeper Tyler Bristol (Clinton, Conn.). Bristol made one save, while the Navy defense held Howard to just seven shots.

"The back four is playing pretty well right now. A couple of guys are getting a better understanding of what we want to do back there, and are starting to communicate and understand each other better," said Brandt.

The Mids outshot the Bison, 22-7, and drew five corner kicks to Howard's one. Navy was whistled for seven fouls to Howard's 16. Victor Thomas was credited with eight shots in goal for the Bison.

Navy will host Patriot League leader, American (3-0-0), in a battle for first place in the league standings on Saturday night at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility, beginning at 7:00 pm. Several promotions, including Navy Soccer Fest, a Billy the Kid Club Party and Scout Night, are planned for the evening. For ticket information, call 1-800-US4-NAVY.

GAME NOTES
* Navy is ranked 9th in the NSCAA Middle Atlantic regional rankings.
* Michael Uyehara becomes the first Navy player this year with a pair of game-winning goals. He also scored the game-winning goal against St. Francis (Pa.). Both of Uyehara's goals this year have been the game-winner.
* Navy freshmen have scored 27 (9 g, 9 a) of Navy's 52 points this year. Freshmen scored all three points tonight.
* Navy improved to 5-1-0 in one-goal games this year and in games that Navy has scored in this year, Navy is 8-0-0.
* Navy's 22 shots were a season high.
* Tyler Bristol recorded his third career shutout.
* The win in regulation was Navy's first since a 2-0 win over St. Francis (Pa.) on Sept. 12. Navy's last four wins had come in overtime.

# GO NAVY #