TYLER, Texas — A sure way for a team to get a goal or snap a streak is for a communications staff member to do research on the last time something did or didn't happen. The research worked for the St. Mary's University Men's Soccer team on Wednesday night as they broke a three-match scoreless streak with a goal 30 seconds before halftime for the 1-0 victory at UT Tyler.
Graduate student
Pau Mateu Deya (Marratxi, Balearic Islands, Spain) blasted a header on a corner kick that was deflected by the keeper right back to him, and he found the lower right corner with his right foot for his first goal of the season. His were the only two shots on goal all night in the defensive battle between the clubs.
"Tonight was about getting three points," said Head Coach
Johnny Clifford. "I'm really proud of the lads' efforts. We've worked really hard recently and have not had the results to show the quality of play we're capable of. We have a quick turnaround now for a big home game on Saturday and look to keep the momentum going."
Senior goalkeeper
Johnny Thurbin (Lingfield, Surrey, England) made five saves to post his fourth shutout of the season to help the Rattlers move to 2-3-6 overall and 1-2-1 in Lone Star Conference play. The Patriots drop to 3-7-2 on the season and 1-4-1 in league play.
Seven of the 11 Rattlers in the starting lineup played all 90 minutes in the game in
Ricky Alvarez (Dripping Springs, Texas),
Andrick Ferrer (Buffalo, N.Y.), Mateu Deya,
Luke Mulkey (Parker, Texas),
Shea Scally (Glasgow, Scotland), Thurbin and
Axel Villegas (Cordoba, Mexico).
The Rattlers return home to host Texas A&M International on Saturday at 5 p.m. The Dustdevils lost 2-0 to St. Edward's in Laredo on Wednesday night.
