Senior Day Ends in Draw for Men's Soccer

SAN ANTONIO — A fast-paced first half between the No. 13 St. Mary's University and West Texas A&M Men's Soccer teams ended in a 1-1 draw on Senior Night at Sigma Beta Chi Field.

The Rattlers (12-2-3, 8-0-1) surrendered a goal for the first time in 364 minutes when the Buffs (5-6-5, 3-2-4) scored at the 22-minute mark. 

Senior Gianluca Fiorini (Scandiano, Italy) scored less than six minutes later, taking a pass from fellow senior Sofian Maghouz (London, England) for the equalizer. It is the second goal of the season for Fiorini and Maghouz takes over the team lead in assists with five.

The two teams combined for 21 shots in the first half, and junior goalkeeper Johnny Thurbin (Lingfield, Surrey, England) made five saves in the opening period to keep the game knotted at 1-1.

The pace slowed down in the second half as the two teams took nine shots total, with each recording one shot on goal.

The six saves by Thurbin are one off his career-high of seven stops from earlier this season against St. Edward's (Oct. 12). 

Nine seniors on the StMU roster were honored prior to the game, while the team was presented the regular season trophy and banner after the conclusion of the contest.

The Rattlers wrap up the regular season on Wednesday at Midwestern State at 4 p.m. The Mustangs defeated Eastern New Mexico 2-1 in Portales on Saturday evening.