SPOKANE, Wash. - A couple of veterans scored goals, but it appears as though Gonzaga University's men's soccer line-up may be sprinkled with freshmen following Saturday's 2-0 exhibition victory over Trinity Western University of Langley, British Columbia.
Junior Conner Bevans got all the Bulldogs would need when he converted a cross from the deep right corner from senior Ben Striar at 38:13. Senior Zach Hamer put the finishing touches on the twilight match with a penalty kick at 87:59 when he was brought down inside the 18 after making a nice move through two defenders.
Head coach Einar Thorarinsson used a pair of keepers in the match, junior starter Chris Lowrimore playing into the 61st minute before giving way to freshman Ben Willis. Each had one save but neither was severely tested.
Gonzaga's starting line-up included three true freshmen - midfielders Fischer Gallinger and Colton Cavey, and defender Ben White. In addition, freshmen midfielder Connor Ourada and redshirt freshman midfielder Jalen Crisler saw action off the bench.
"You saw them out there. They are the starters," Thorarinsson said when asked about the infusion of youngsters into the line-up. "Ben White, Fischer Gallinger, Connor Ourada and Ben Willis are all solid guys."
Thorarinsson said some questions still remain unanswered, most notably the battle at keeper.
"Yes and no," Thorarinsson said when asked if his questions going into the match got answered. "Our keepers were challenged in the air and they responded. That's where we'll get tested this year is in the air. But we haven't made any decisions on our keeper."
Thorarinsson said the Bulldogs must work on consistency.
"It was a game of momentum for us. We played well for 10 minutes and then were a little sloppy for 10, but we were not consistent. We were good at times, and those 10 minutes we were on were good," he said.
The Bulldogs held an 11-5 advantage in shots and a 6-2 edge in shots on goal. The Zags had six corner kicks while TWU had none.
Gonzaga has a week to prepare for No. 6 University of Washington and the regular-season opener next Friday at 5 p.m. on Luger Field.
"The guys as a team have been talking about the preparation it takes and all of the things we need to do. They are ready," Thorarinsson said of the approach for Washington.
