LAREDO, Texas – A local Laredo product shined on Monday as Texas A&M International hosted the University of Texas of the Permian Basin for a historic shootout at the TAMIU Soccer Complex. The Dustdevils trailed the Falcons four times, equalized four times and didn't take their first lead until they scored their fifth goal in the, 6-4, victory in the Heartland Conference midday matchup.
"The team showed a lot of resiliency, coming back from a losing score four different times," TAMIU coach Claudio Arias said. "That speaks a lot toward these players' character; no matter the challenge in front of them, they fight through it.
"Despite the defensive difficulties, the end of the day hinges on the final score and we had some special players do some special things to win this game. The next challenge is forgetting this game and moving ahead toward our bigger goals."
Senior midfielder Jovany Macias – a former Heartland Freshman of the Year and three-time All-Conference selection – completed his first career hat trick in just 55 minutes. The Laredo-United High product punched through the Falcons backline for the Dustdevils' first and second goals – equalizing both times – with nearly identical launchings from inside 10 yards. He netted the game-winning goal in the 55th minute to complete his trio, again lifting a right-side rocket into the back of the net.
Christian Mendoza, fellow United alumnus Aaron Zuniga and Tayeb Ahmadi each contributed sniper-specific services for assists.
The Falcons battled back despite Macias' masterpiece. The Dustdevils entered halftime trailing 3-2, but Angel Robles changed that just two minutes into the second half. The junior midfielder claimed the Dustdevils' third equalizer off a poorly cleared corner kick, coming through the chaos to ricochet a right-footed shot into the net.
Nearly three minutes later, the Falcons retook the lead before former Heartland Freshman of the Year Ryan Hodgson hit the mark for the final TAMIU equalizer. It was the Sunderland, England, native's fifth goal of the season – just one behind Macias' team-leading six. Funcia Kenneh was credited the assist.
Laredo native and Dustdevils junior Eduardo Gonzalez closed the historically high-scoring match with free-kick finishing in the 86th minute. Juan Ramirez floated a 45-yard free kick into Gonzalez's flying foot for the finale.
All in all, the Dustdevils' six-goal performance sets a new single-match record and the combined 10 goals sets a separate high mark since TAMIU joined the NCAA Division II.
The Dustdevils next host Dallas Baptist on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Adam Geigerman,
Sports Information Director and Promotions Specialist
956-326-3007
AdamS.Geigerman@TAMIU.edu
www.GoDustdevils.com
