Box Score LAREDO, Texas — Just three games into the season, the 2014 St. Mary's Men's Soccer team has already begun to make its mark on the program.
The Rattlers recorded a stunning victory over No. 20 Fort Lewis College Friday night in come-from-behind fashion for a 2-1 win, marking the Rattlers' first win against a nationally ranked team in 11 seasons.
The Rattlers previously recorded their last win over a nationally ranked team during the 2003 season when they defeated No. 5 University of Incarnate Word, 2-1.
Ryan Hoskins (So., Sophomore) netted both goals in the win Friday night at Dustdevil Soccer Field on opening night of the Texas A&M International Fall Invitational during the final frame for his second and third goals on the season.
The Skyhawks (1-2) struck early off a free kick in the 31
st minute but the Rattlers overpowered the No. 20 Skyhawks in the final frame with Hoskins netting his first goal in the 56
th minute with a pass from
Alex Gonzalez (RS-So., McAllen, Texas) and then netting the game-winner with just seven minutes left in the game off a shot from 12 yards out.
The statement victory improves the Rattlers to 2-0-1 on the season, marking the program's best start since 2002 when the Rattlers-then coached by current Women's Soccer head coach
Corwyn Ritch-also started 2-0-1 en route to a 12-5-3 season.
"I think it's really exciting for the future," said head coach
Michael Bonelli after the Rattlers' win over the nationally ranked Skyhawks. "We have to keep it in perspective, it's only one game. The team is playing great. They're confident and playing for each other, which is important."
The matchup was well contested between the Rattlers and Skyhawks with St. Mary's recording nine shots for the game while FLC recorded 12.
Hoskins bolstered much of the Rattlers' stat line, picking up four of the team's nine shots and three of the team's four shots on goal.
Keeper
Mitchell Kilmer (RS-Fr., Frisco, Texas) protected the win for the Rattlers with four saves in 90 minutes of play to improve to 2-0-1 on the season.
Although the huge win Friday marked several milestones for the Rattlers, Bonelli has his focus sharp.
"Tonight is one game," said Bonelli. "It's a great performance, but we have to prepare for (our next game) Sunday. It's a quick turnaround."
The Rattlers continue the TAMIU Fall Invitational at 11 a.m. Sunday against Eastern New Mexico in Laredo, Texas.
