Sioux Falls, South Dakota – The SFU men’s soccer team played their first of two games in South Dakota to close out the 2011 season this evening, defeating the University of Sioux Falls, 3-0.

“I am very proud of the lads for battling through the weather elements to earn a big result on the road tonight,” said Head Coach Alan Koch.  “I don't think many of our players have played in a wind that strong before. It was nice to get a lot of our players in to this evenings match and we look forward to playing a very good Fort Hays State in tomorrow's final match of the season.”

The USF defense held its own against the top scoring offense in NCAA DII until the 38th minute, when the Clan’s leading scorer Carlo Basso found space inside the box and finished far post to give the SFU a 1-0 lead.

USF senior keeper Adam Wemhoff made two point-blank saves after the Basso strike to keep the score 1-0 until halftime.

The Clan pounded the USF defense with nine shots in the first 45 minutes while the Cougars did not record a shot in the first half.

The Clan extended their lead to 2-0 in the 49th minute when SFU forward Farhad Abdulgani one-timed a shot off a cross from teammate Juan Sanchez.

Down two goals, the Cougars put some pressure on the Clan, tallying a couple of shots that could not beat the SFU goalkeeper.  

In the 61st minute, Josh Bennett added on more to make it 3-0, the eventual final.

The Clan outshot USF 17-6 this evening and SFU also held a slight 4-3 edge in corner kicks.

With the win, SFU will now face Fort Hays State tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. to close out the 2011 season.

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