TACOMA, Wash. - - Puget Sound made a statement in their home opener on Friday, blanking Lake Forest College 3-0 with a hat trick from Jackson Smith.
How it Happened
The Loggers wasted little time asserting themselves, keeping Lake Forest pinned back for long stretches. Jackson Smith did the damage, netting a hat trick to account for every Puget Sound goal.
The first goal came off a breakaway, as a through ball from the defense split the Forester's backline. Smith ran onto it and finished, with an assist from Lupin Paz.
Puget Sound doubled its lead soon after on a near carbon copy of the first: another breakaway, another clinical finish from Smith, this time set up by Rhys Foote.
Smith completed the hat trick himself, drawing a penalty in the box and stepping up to convert it. He finished the day with the most shots of anyone on the field, a fitting stat to a dominant performance.
The result was as much about depth as it was about Smith's night. Rookie Owen Foley made his first official appearance for the Loggers, and Brady McPherson also earned his first cap.
In goal, Paxton Rose got the start but was rarely tested behind a defense that gave up little all match. Mason Allison also made his NCAA debut to come on for the second half and make two saves to see the game through.
What Happens Next
Puget Sound returns to the field Sunday at noon, hosting Chapman. The Loggers will look to carry the momentum from their season opening performance into a match against another difficult non-conference opponent.
