SPOKANE, Wash. – In a back-and-forth game on Luger Field, the Gonzaga Bulldogs men's soccer team defeated Saint Mary's, 3-2, to earn their first West Coast Conference victory of the season.
 
The Bulldogs (3-5-6, 1-1-1 WCC) got on the scoreboard first with a goal from Chris Swider in the 13th minute. Goalkeeper Wessel Sprangers dished an incredible pass from the other side of the field to Swider to set him up for the opening score.
 
In the 28th minute, Saint Mary's (5-6-2, 0-3 WCC) had a shot within the box that deflected off Gonzaga into the goal to make it 1-1.
 
At the end of the first half, Gonzaga had three shots while Saint Mary's recorded 10. Two of GU's shot were on goal while the Gaels also took two.
 
Going into halftime tied at 1-1, the Zags scored first in the second half to take the lead again at 2-1 in the 58th minute. Leon Sitz scored from outside of the box from a free kick to drill it in the back of the net.

In the 61st minute, Saint Mary's tied it back up at 2-2 with a goal from Riley Lynch and assist from Justin Sosa from inside the box.
 
Nicholas Bianchi scored the game winning goal in the 63rd minute with an assist coming from Swider. The score put GU up 3-2 as the Zags held on to their lead to secure its first WCC win of the season.
 
Overall, Gonzaga had seven shots on the night with five of those on goal. The Gaels shot 15 with six on goal as Sprangers made four saves on the night.
 
Records: After a handful of ties this season, this victory is GU's first win since Aug. 27. It also marks the first WCC win since the 2021 season.
 
Up Next: Gonzaga goes Portland for a midweek matchup on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. Live stats can be found at GoZags.com while the game is streamed on ESPN+. The Zags return home on Nov. 4 for their last home game of the season.