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Women's Soccer Zach Davis | Laredo Morning Times

Officials, Injuries Hinder Dustdevils

M*A*S*H* Unit TAMIU slides in San Antonio

Box Score
By Zach Davis
Laredo Morning Times
Published: Tuesday, October 29, 2013 1:50 AM CDT

SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Already battling injuries to most of the team, the Texas A&M International women's team was even more shorthanded on Monday.

Down their top two scorers, who have combined for two-thirds of their goals this season, the Dustdevils were overmatched Monday, falling 5-0 at St. Mary's.

"We had a lot of people out that could have helped us.

We had to dress one of our backup goalkeepers to play on the field today," TAMIU head coach Claudio Arias said.

"It's been one of those years that everybody has been injured. We are going to lace it up and be stronger next year."

The Dustdevils lost reigning first-team All-Heartland Conference forward Kim Garcia to an ankle injury two weeks ago.

She still leads the team in goals, tied with Sam Zerilli with four on the year.

The problem for TAMIU was losing Zerilli as well, who served a one-game suspension after two yellow cards on Saturday against UT-Brownsville.

Her second yellow card came just minutes before the game ended.

Yellow cards in Saturday's game in Laredo came often as 10 were served -- seven against the Dustdevils.

"I've never seen anything like that. I'm not sure if (the official) was trying to control the game or what because there was nothing to control," Arias said.

"After the game the other referee told me he had never seen anything like that, sending cards right and left.

"It was confusing. There were so many cards that after the game I had to go to the table to find out who got what. It looked worse than a birthday party — there were cards everywhere. It was unbelievable."

St. Mary's overpowered the Dustdevils in the second half, as TAMIU allowed four goals on its way to a five-score loss.

The Rattlers outshot TAMIU 25-3, including an 18-2 edge on goal.

The result was the Dustdevils' ninth shutout of the season.

They drop to 2-12 on the year with a 2-6 record in the Heartland Conference.

They trailed Newman (6-7, 3-3 Heartland) by two games before the Jets' game at Oklahoma Christian on Monday night for the final spot in the conference tournament.

St. Mary's improves to 8-6-1 and 5-2 in league play.

While the team was without its top two scorers as well as other members of the squad, it also featured a lineup full of injured players.

Senior Alyssa Perez was one of many playing at less than full strength, as she has injuries to her knee, thigh and a hyperextended ligament.

"I just feel bad, especially for Alyssa Perez," Arias said.

"We brought her here as a freshman and she has gotten better and better every year.

Her commitment and love for the game has been tremendous and I wish we could be sending her out on a better note. I respect that girl. She has been hurting the entire season and yet comes to practice and plays in every game."

TAMIU's season is nearing a close with just two games in Laredo remaining on the schedule.

The Dustdevils take on No. 17 St. Edward's (12-0-2, 7-0) on Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. before hosting McMurry (5-7-1, 2-4-1) on Nov. 4 at 2:30.

Follow @ZachDavisLMT on Twitter for the latest news on TAMIU athletics and other local sports.

E-mail: ZDavis@LMTOnline.com
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