The No. 2 Creighton men’s soccer team remained undefeated on the season after a road trip through California last weekend.
The West Coast swing ended on Sunday with a 1-0 victory at Saint Mary’s College. It was the third consecutive shutout posted by the Bluejays.
The win also bumped up 4-0-1 Creighton to No. 2 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll. It also continued the Bluejays’ streak of 18 straight undefeated games against teams from the golden state.
The game was a defensive struggle early, with neither team able to gain an attacking advantage. At the end of the first half, the score was knotted up at 0-0.
Things changed early in the second half, however. In the 48th minute, freshman midfielder Timo Pitter sent a ball forward to sophomore midfielder Jose Ribas. Ribas was able to head it home for his first goal and Pitter’s second assist on the season.
The Bluejays seem to have found an identity early on this season. While not the biggest or strongest squad, Creighton will rely on speed and finesse going forward.
“We have a lot of guys on the team with good touch,” Ribas said. “It’s what we have to use in matches to avoid being pushed off the ball.”
Freshman keeper Jeff Gal recorded his first clean sheet in his second start for Creighton this season. He recorded three saves as the battle for the starting goalie spot continues.
“We will be looking for one starter to play most of the season, but we are in a fortunate spot to have two good goalies,” head coach Elmar Bolowich said.
Other than that position, Bolowich is sure of his current squad.
“We were looking for a rotation before,” Bolowich said. “It becomes more clear now as the new players fit in to their roles.”
The first game of the road trip took place Friday night at Santa Clara University. The Bluejays won the game 1-0 on a goal from freshman forward Christian Blandon in the 69th minute.
The first half of the match was pretty stagnant, as both sides were trying to feel each other out.
Freshman defender Vincent Keller assisted the goal with a lovely pass to Blandon on the right side of the penalty area. Blandon blasted the shot past the Bronco keeper and recorded his second goal of the season.
The freshman forward is making the most of his ever-increasing workload.
“I’m starting to see some more minutes now,” Blandon said. “I just try to apply everything that [Coach Bolowich] says on the field.”
Sophomore keeper Alex Bolowich had four saves and notched his second clean sheet in three starts this season.
Creighton will host Old Dominion University Friday in Morrison Stadium at 7:30 p.m. The Bluejays will also face the College of William & Mary at home on Sunday at 2 p.m.