LAREDO, Texas – An afternoon that celebrated Texas A&M International University's senior class climaxed in fitting fashion, with an overtime game-winning wonderstrike by a senior. The Dustdevils mounted a late comeback to quiet St. Mary's, 2-1, on Monday at the TAMIU Soccer Complex.

"No question about it, our girls had a clear objective of what they wanted to do," TAMIU associate head coach Felipe Arias said. "The first half was completely dominated by TAMIU, and things evened out a little in the second half. I really applaud the spirit, discipline and desire to win that these girls showed through 97 minutes here.

"We knew this match would be important for determining our seeding in the Heartland Conference tournament. I wouldn't be a member of this coaching staff if I didn't believe in these girls. They proved our belief right. Claudia (de Lara's equalizing goal) was as huge for us as (Jessica Parker's) winning goal was. It put us back into the game and it started the magic that won us the game."

Parker, a senior from Jacksonville, Fla., sealed the match with a strike with her back to goal from about 8-yards out. Receiving a cross from Karina Garcia, Parker wrapped her right boot around the lateral ball to float it above St. Mary's defense and into the upper right corner of the net.

Almost 10 minutes earlier, de Lara struck a spell from nearly 30 yards away after Garcia delivered a well-weighted ball off a free kick from midfield. De Lara's rocket blew beyond the Rattler's keeper and into the net to equalize the match at 1-all.

Dustdevils keeper Chelsea Knaack repelled the Rattlers with five saves.

The Dustdevils will close their 2014 regular season with a meeting with St. Edward's in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 3 before entering play in the program's second ever Heartland Conference tournament.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Adam Geigerman,
Sports Information Director and Promotions Specialist
956-326-3007
AdamS.Geigerman@TAMIU.edu
?www.GoDustdevils.com