LAREDO, Texas – A pair of second-half goals marred Texas A&M International on Sunday as the Dustdevils (1-1-2, 0-0-0 Heartland) saw their three-match unbeaten run fall to the defending champion St. Edward's Hilltoppers. The visitors claimed a 3-0 victory at the TAMIU Soccer Complex.
"As the saying goes, 'you must learn from your mistakes' and that's the lesson we must take from this game," TAMIU associate head coach Felipe Arias said. "(St. Edward's) was obviously a bigger stronger team and it showed. It's difficult to play your first conference match against arguably the best team in the conference, but in a way that is good.
"They exposed some things about our team, but now we must learn from them. I give a lot of credit to St. Edward's and the game that they played today. They dominated, but – at the same time – the goals they scored were moments of lost focus for us."
The Hilltoppers struck first in the 36th minute when Cailyn Trapani picked off a softly placed backpass toward TAMIU goalkeeper Chelsea Knaack. Trapani's first attempt was saved by Knaack, but the rebound fell favorably for the forward, who finished the goal.
Nearly half an hour later, in the 63rd minute, the Dustdevils backline tripped a Hilltopper attacker just inside the 18-yard box, despite her back being toward goal. Megan Anderson converted the spot kick from 12 yards out to double the Hilltopper's advantage.
Just two minutes later, substitute Riana Soobadoo finished the scoring with a short-range strike off an Ari Garcia helper.
TAMIU didn't shoot or test St. Edward's two goalkeepers.
Knaack made six saves on 17 shots – nine on goal – by the Hilltoppers.
"I think our spirit is strong and intact, moving forward," Arias said. "These kind of games will either break you or make you stronger, and now we must focus on the next two games we have."
The Dustdevils now must travel to Eastern New Mexico at noon on Sept. 20 an then continue in conference play on Sept. 22 at noon against the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. The pair of matches initiate six consecutive away matches, with TAMIU returning home on Oct. 11 to host Lubbock Christian.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Adam Geigerman,
Sports Information Director and Promotions Specialist
956-326-3007
AdamS.Geigerman@TAMIU.edu
www.GoDustdevils.com
