KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Emilio Meraz-Rodriguez scored three times to lead the Evergreen State (7-2-2, 4-2-2 CCC) past Oregon Tech (6-6-1, 5-4-0 CCC) 4-0 in Cascade Conference play Friday afternoon at the OIT Soccer Field.
 
"Evergreen had our number today," said Head Coach Matt Munhall. "Every game in conference takes a great amount of commitment and concentration to win. There are no easy games. Today we were not at our best. We are still out to prove that we can play with anyone on any given day. Four more games in the regular season to solidify a playoff spot. We will look for our guys to respond tomorrow."
 
Meraz-Rodriguez scored his team leading 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th goals of the year in the win for ESC. His first goal came in the 12^th minute as he shot from outside the box and curved the ball right to left just out of the reach of the OIT keeper with what be the eventual game-winner.
 
Mitchell Balmer gave Evergreen Stats a 2-0 lead scoring on a header off a corner kick from Meraz-Rodriguez.
 
Meraz-Rodriguez. scored his second goal in the 27th minute making it a 3-0 game just 18 seconds after Blamers goal.
 
Meraz-Rodriguez finished off the Hat Trick converting a Penalty Kick in the 50^th minute.
 
OIT finished with a 15-10 edge in shots and a 9-6 advantage in shots on goal.
 
Evergreen State Goal Keeper Ben Stevenson was stellar as he was credited with eight saves in picking up the shutout win.
 
Oregon Tech will look to rebound Saturday against Northwest University in the final home game of the year on senior day starting at Noon. Evergreen State will travel to Ashland, Oregon for a match against Southern Oregon University Saturday Night.
 
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