Published: August 25, 2007 11:53 pm      

Katrib boots Cougars to victory in season opener

WILMORE, Ky. — Bend it like ... Katrib?

Mountain State University sophomore midfielder Ali Katrib did his best David Beckham imitation Saturday, curving in a free kick and corner kick for goals as the Cougars opened their season with a 3-1 victory at Asbury College.

Katrib sent his free kick around a wall of Asbury defenders in the 18th minute, hitting the inside of the near post and caroming in for the tying goal.

He then curved a corner kick off the Eagle goalkeeper’s hands to put MSU ahead in the 52nd minute.

“Ali had two fantastic goals — it was pretty amazing watching him play,” coach John Birkelbach said. “He was definitely the best player on field.”

Katrib also played a part in the final Cougar goal, assisting Charlot Nacius in the 62nd minute.

Breaking down the right wing, Katrib crossed to Nacius, who faked out two defenders and fired. The ball hit the crossbar and bounced in.

MSU goalkeeper Adam Thompson came up big in the closing minutes to preserve the Cougars’ first Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference win.

“My back line showed some rookie jitters,” Birkelbach said. “Adam made some huge saves in the last five minutes.”

Asbury scored first as Danny Winklepleck took advantage of an MSU mistake to beat Thompson.

Mountain State was 5-11 last season in its first season in collegiate men’s soccer. The Cougars are competing in the KIAC this season in all sports except men’s basketball.

More than 250 fans attended the game, braving 92-degree temperatures.

Birkelbach credited sweeper Joel Hicks and defenders Chaz Turner, Alex Thompson and Eric Randall with strong games on defense.

Adam Thompson, Alex’s brother, made five saves in goal.

“It was a hostile environment and it was hot,” Birkelbach said. “The guys stepped up and didn’t let the crowd get to them at all.”

Mountain State will play Friday at Kentucky Christian University.