The Western Washington University men’s soccer team is off to a flying start in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference play after defeating the Saint Martin’s University Saints 4-0 at Robert S. Harrington Field on Thursday night.
With a two-goal and one-assist performance by freshman Jose Perez, the Vikings were able to start GNAC play with a home shutout in front of 567 fans at Harrington Field, as they picked up their third win in three games to progress to a 3-4-2 record this season.
The Vikings started the scoring early, with Perez intercepting a pass from the Saints’ goalkeeper and slotting the ball into the bottom left corner just three minutes into the game.
Perez also scored the second goal for the Vikings later on in the first half, after an assist from Reiley Buri-Brown, who is the current assist leader in the GNAC with four this season.
“It all started in practice,” said Perez. “We were looking forward to this game, it's opening GNAC season, first conference game of the season, and we basically put all the work in in practice, and then it paid off in the game.”
The Vikings pressured the Saints all night, which was part of the plan for Head Coach Greg Brisbon.
“Yup, that was on the whiteboard,” remarked Brisbon. “Put pressure on their back line and goalie, and we want everything in their half. That first goal was very good by (Perez), reading the press, being the second layer we talk about, and he got rewarded with two goals.”
Senior Alban Jonsson netted the third Viking goal of the night, off a second-chance header from a free kick in the second half.
Captain Joar Tidblom finished off the scoring for the Vikings, slotting home an 81st-minute penalty kick and finding the back of the net for the fourth time in two games after scoring a hat-trick against Dallas Baptist University last Friday.
“I think it’s always small margins, and it doesn’t take a lot for a season or for a game to change or turn around,” said Tidblom. “I think the team is starting to come along better, starting to build more relations on the field and off the field too, and I think that’s helping a lot.”
After starting the season with six straight games without a win, the Vikings have turned the season on its head, winning their last three games, scoring 10 goals and only conceding once during those games.
“Mentality,” said Brisbon, when asked about the change in form. “These guys have a different mentality now, so they’re playing better. It takes a while to get going in every season, and it just took a little bit longer than usual to get going. We’re still not there yet. We still have a lot to do.”
Looking ahead for the Vikings, they will host the defending GNAC champions, the Western Oregon Wolves, Saturday, October 4, at 7:00 p.m. at Harrington Field. The Vikings split with the Wolves last season, with both teams winning at their home fields.
“Yeah, at least we’ve got to be this good moving forward, and I know we’ll get better by just playing,” Brisbon said. "I’m really happy with the group so far and their mindset, and Saturday will be a big test.”
Christian Larrañaga (he/him) is a Sports and Recreation reporter for The Front. He is in his second year at Western, majoring in Visual Journalism, and is in his first quarter at The Front. Christian spends his time in the outdoors, playing soccer or hanging out with friends. You can reach him at christianlarranaga.thefront@gmail.com.
