Billard matches career goals record in win over Wolves

Entering the weekend, the Fighting Saints (7-4-2, 6-2-1) had won each of their 11 all-time meetings with the Wolves (3-6-3, 3-3-3). They made sure the streak did not stop there, as they held off a late charge for their 12th straight win in the series.

Friday's 2-1 win was a memorable one for senior Felix Billard (Mallorca, Spain). The 2024 CCC Offensive Player of the Year and multi-time all-conference selection etched his name in the Carroll record books, matching the program record for career goals scored.

Billard's goal in the 16th minute, like so many others coming off an assist from fellow senior Sean Balen (Mukilteo, Wash.), moved him into a tie with Jose Porras (2015-18) atop the Carroll record book with 33 career goals each.

The historic goal came just three minutes after the game's opening goal, a 13th-minute strike by Arnaldo Primera (West Midlands, England / FR).

Throughout the lengthy win streak over Walla Walla, Carroll had previously held the Wolves scoreless in the series. All good things must come to an end, however, and the Wolves finally found a breakthrough just minutes before the halftime break.

Paulo Tostado scored Walla Walla's first-ever goal against the Saints in the 32nd minute, trimming the lead to 2-1 at the break.

Walla Walla increased the pressure in the second half, looking to find an equalizer, but the Carroll defense settled in and held its ground. Behind strong back line play and a five-save effort by goalkeeper Noah Jordan (Deer Park, Wash. / JR), the Saints kept the Wolves off the board for the remainder and walked out with another win.

Billard will look to take sole possession of the career goals mark on Sunday, as he and the Saints head to Portland for a midday showdown with Warner Pacific.