Men's Soccer 9/15/2012 2:03:00 AM

Men's Soccer Battles No. 5 Midwestern to Draw

Box Score LAREDO, Texas – Friday night the TAMIU men’s soccer team came within inches of knocking off one of the best division two soccer programs in the country.

Facing fifth ranked Midwestern State University in front of the largest home crowd of the season (552), the Dustdevils and Mustangs fought for 110 minutes before the final horn ended the game in a 0-0 draw.

The potent TAMIU offensive attack created plenty of scoring opportunities, but was never able to find the magic strike to put them over the top. No better an opportunity came than in the 28^th minute, when Freshman Christian Hesselaa fired a volley from 25 yards out. Caught completely out of position, Midwestern keeper Ray Clark dove to his left only to be saved as the ball rattled off the post.

Just five minutes into the second half, sophomore Jovany Macias broke through the tough Midwestern defense finding himself one-on-one with the keeper. This time Clark took a much better angle, forcing Macias shot to sail wide.

The TAMIU defense played their best game of the season Friday night led by keeper Jesus Cisneros, who registered a game high eight saves and picked up his first shutout of the season.
Head Coach Claudio Arias said although it wasn’t the result he wanted, he is at peace with his team’s performance.

“We played with a lot of heart tonight and gave it everything we had so it’s hard for me to be disappointed. I really thought we were the better team, we just didn’t capitalize on our opportunities.”

With Friday night’s draw the Dustdevils wrapped up their non-conference schedule with a record of 1-2-1. Coach Arias said his team’s performance versus Midwestern proves that TAMIU belongs in the national conversation.

“If we can compete with Midwestern who has a great tradition and for years has been a nationally ranked team, then we can compete with anyone in the country. Unfortunately we didn’t play as well as we would’ve liked in Colorado and that has put us in a difficult situation. But we are a good team with good players. Unfortunately the system we play under makes it very difficult for us to demonstrate that on a bigger stage.”

The Dustdevils will now kick off their conference schedule, opening on the road versus St. Mary’s on Sunday, September 16 at 2:30 p.m.

“We know that every team is going to give us their best shot because we are the conference champions,” said Coach Arias. “But this team has a lot of heart and we will be ready for St. Mary’s.”

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