LAREDO, Texas – A trio of local Laredo products propelled Texas A&M International into the first ever Heartland Conference tournament, clinching at least the No. 4 seed with a cleansheeting of Oklahoma Christian on Monday at the TAMIU Soccer Complex. Jovany Macias, Eduardo Gonzalez and Aaron Zuniga combined for the Dustdevils, 3-0, clipping of the Eagles.
"This was a strong performance from our boys, showing what they are capable of if they trust in each other and play the way they are able to," TAMIU coach Claudio Arias said. "The three goals are very nice, but the performance from the midfield and defense was just as strong; as hard as it is to score, it is almost tougher to stop the other team from scoring.
"We aren't anywhere near done yet. Getting into the tournament is nice, but it's something we needed to do to improve our (South Central) regional ranking."
TAMIU improves to 4-2-0 in Heartland play and 8-5-1 overall, earning a berth in the conference tournament with a head-to-head tiebreaker over Dallas Baptist. The Dustdevils defeated the Patriots, 3-1, on Oct. 18 in the pair's only meeting.
The Heartland tournament will be hosted by the No. 1 seed – the full NCAA Division II member with the best in-conference record. Lubbock Christian, Rogers State and Oklahoma Christian are ineligible for postseason play because they are still provisional NCAA members. St. Edward's (4-0-0 Heartland, 10-2-1) currently holds the top seed with St. Mary's (4-2-0 Heartland, 7-5-2) sitting tied with TAMIU for second. The Rattlers and Dustdevils play their only head-to-head match on Oct. 27 at the TAMIU Soccer Complex.
On Monday, Gonzalez continued his sizzling streak of in-form performances with his fourth goal in as many matches. He took a 14th-minute delivery from Robert Dominguez after a Dustdevils' throw-in and launched an explosion into the net from the 6-yard box.
Nearly 50 minutes later, Macias added his team-leading eighth goal of the campaign via a spot kick. The senior midfielder stands second in the Heartland with five conference goals in five matches. From the penalty spot, Macias rifled a shot into the upper-right netting, but TAMIU's early movement forced a replay. The second attempt saw Macias shoot low and to the left, doubling TAMIU's advantage.
Zuniga struck his second career goal in the 81st minute from close range. Backliner Oscar Pompa penetrated into the final third, crossing a throughball from left to right and eventually onto Zuniga's swinging boot.
The Dustdevils outshot the Eagles 7-2 in attempts on frame. TAMIU platooned a pair of goalkeepers, with Salomon Moctezuma opening the match's first 80 minutes with just one shot faced, and saved. Chris Biddulph closed the final 10 minutes, also with just one shot faced and saved.
The Dustdevils return to action at the TAMIU Soccer Complex on Wednesday to host West Texas A&M 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
