Box Score Trailblazer men's soccer earned its second win of the 2021 season against Houston Baptist by a score of 1-0. The lone goal came in the 6' from defender Matt Lockwood.
WHAT HEAD COACH JONNY BROADHEAD SAID: Extremely proud of this win for the team. They left it all on the field on one days rest after a double overtime game Friday. They continue to take on very difficult tasks with a great attitude. It was great to see some smiles and hear the celebrating in the locker room just as a team should do. As always we appreciate the support at the game and will always try to make our school and community proud.
HOW IT HAPPENED: Right from the kickoff Dixie State was in control of this game. They were maintaining steady possession and earned a free kick just five minutes into the game.
It didn't take long for the Trailblazers to find the score sheet, either. Off a ball from Trevor Dillon, Lockwood found himself about ten yards out from the 18-yard box with nothing but space in front of him.
He dribbled from the near side to the center of the field and headed towards goal. From just above the 18-yard box, Lockwood let a left foot rocket go low and towards the near post, beating Houston goalkeeper Ciro Calderon. This is Lockwood's only goal of the season so far.
After the goal, DSU settled into the game and switched to a defensive style of soccer. They controlled possession and were building out of the back on all of their attacks. Matt Lockwood notched a second shot in the 14' and Duncan McKenna had one of his own in the 20' but the Trailblazers attack was being very mindful about when to attack to not expose themselves defensively and preserve their lead.
Jacob Zimmerman earned his first save of the game in the 44' to keep the Trailblazers ahead headed to the halftime break. The Trailblazer defense was able to hold the Huskies to just two shots in the first half.
The second half was a lot more open from both sides. The Trailblazers defense stood on its head against a fruitful Husky attack. The Huskies notched 11 shots in the second half alone, in comparison to DSU's five, but still shutout the Huskies.
Zimmerman was saving everything shot at him. This match was just his second appearance for the Trailblazers, but you'd never have been able to tell that.
Dixie State's AJ Ciampini was shown yellow in the 73' for time wasting. Following Ciampini's yellow, Houston had a shot on goal that forced Zimmerman into yet another save. Zimmerman's heroics through the second half earned DSU it's second shutout of the year.
In the dying moments of the match, Zimmerman came up huge once again. He had a big save in the 89' off a ball crossed in from the wing that he jumped up to grab and fell on top of to stop the Huskies from tying the game in the final seconds of the match.
DSU would ultimately preserve their early goal and earn the 1-0 win thanks to defensive heroics from goalscorer Matt Lockwood and goalkeeper Jacob Zimmerman.
STAT BREAKDOWN: Freshman goalkeeper Jacob Zimmerman started in goal for the Trailblazers and recorded a shutout. He had seven saves in his 90 minutes played.
Dixie State had 11 shots on goal.
Matt Lockwood and
John Joseph lead the team in shots with three apiece, each with two on goal as well. In addition,
Guglielmo Bianchi had two shots of his own.
Matt Lockwood had the lone goal, assisted by Trevor Dillon.
AJ Ciampini was the only Trailblazer shown a caution in this game. This is his first yellow card of the season which was shown in the 73' minute for time wasting.
NOTES TO KNOW: This is the Trailblazers second win of the 2021 season. The team is now 2-9-1 on the season. The team has scored six goals so far this season.
Goalkeeper Jacob Zimmerman has made two appearances so far as a Trailblazer, the win and shutout over Houston Baptist was the first of his career.
Dixie State is now 2-0-0 all time against Houston Baptist. The last time these two teams played each other DSU won 2-1, their second meeting resulting in the 1-0 win.
UP NEXT: Trailblazer men's soccer heads back out on the road next weekend for a road match against California Baptist on Saturday Oct. 16 at 2 PM (PT).
