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LAREDO, Texas – Playing at home was certainly a comforting change of pace for Texas A&M International, even if it was under rainy conditions on Friday at the TAMIU Soccer Complex.
The Dustdevils all-European frontline fed the team its first Heartland Conference victory, over the visiting St. Mary’s Rattlers, via a 2-1 scoreline. Englishman Ryan Hodgson, a freshman, connected with Frenchman Tayeb Ahmadi, a junior, on two occasions for lead-seizing goals.
The first bulging of St. Mary’s net came in the 22nd minute when the Dustdevils makeshift backline created an avalanching counter attack. Hodgson turned an optimistic run by Ahmadi into clockwork perfection, hitting Ahmadi on a diagonal track from about 35 yards out. Ahmadi continued unbothered by the Rattlers’ defense and chipped a 16-yard shot over St. Mary’s sprawling keeper, Patrick Kasperitis.
The visitors pull the game back onto level terms 12 minutes.
Alexis Santamaria beat a 1-on-1 defense to bury his shot off a Josh Stevens long-ball assist. The Dustdevils (2-4-1, 1-0-0 Heartland) featured a new-look backline with seniors Walter Anoruo, Yamin Olavarrieta, Camilo Botero and Oscar Pompa. The defensive change of characters was headlined by the first start of Miguel Lucio’s career.
The freshman from Alamo City, Texas, stood on his head against the Rattlers’ ratcheted pressure, completing three saves on nine shots faced – four on frame.
Ahmadi pushed his game winner into the net after a Rattler’s backline breakdown saw Hodgson draw attention at the near post. His angle was too tight to shoot, so he flicked a floating pass toward the oncoming Ahmadi. A neatly done nod beat Kasperitis for a second time.
TAMIU unleashed 15 shots – nine on goal – and only saw Hodgson earn a booking in the 69th minute. St. Mary’s ( 1-5-1, 0-1-0) received a pair of cautions to Mario Rincon in the 59th minute and Zach Strater in the 71st.
The Dustdevils return to action on Sunday against regional foe Midwestern State, of the Lone Star Conference, at noon at the TAMIU Soccer Complex.
