LAREDO, Texas – History was made on Tuesday evening as Texas A&M International held strong through a wide-open but eventually scoreless draw against the NCAA Division I's University of Texas-Pan American at the TAMIU Soccer Complex. Both goalkeepers – Chelsea Knaack for the home side and Aubrie Coley for UTPA – featured with seven saves as they chiseled their respective shutouts.
The Dustdevils earned their first result against a Division I opponent and a first against a Western Athletic Conference school.
"This result shows (TAMIU's) quality and character," associate head women's soccer coach Felipe Arias said. "That is a great start for us. These girls fought for 110 minutes against a higher-division opponent, and in the end we were even.
"It was a positive result, because you are adding, but it wasn't the best result (possible)."
The 110-minute showdown kicked off in 99-degree heat before a 30-minute lightning stoppage delayed the action in the 58th minute.
The Dustdevils (0-0-1, 0-0-0 Heartland) played the more offensive and aggressive game, firing 12 shots – with four coming of senior Sol Medina's boots. Medina led the Dustdevils with two shots on goal, while five others tried Coley with attempts.
UTPA (3-0-2 overall) launched 11 shots total – seven on goal, with Knaack gloving them all. Hanna Spets led the way with two shots on-frame.
TAMIU's starting backline of Chelsea Meador, Laura Twinem, Christiana Sulak and Emily Behnke bent at times, but remained sturdy in front of Knaack's frame. Through regulation, UTPA flew just three shots on target.
"I can say that this draw is an accomplishment for TAMIU," Arias said. "Of course we want to win every match, but we played with strength and determination. We are on track; I can't say we are where we want to be, but we are proud of this illustration tonight.
"No one can say it wasn't an exciting, high-quality match."
The Dustdevils return to action on Sept. 5 in a neutral-site showdown with Ouachita Baptist at 1 p.m. The match will be played at St. Mary's University in San Antonio. TAMIU returns to the TAMIU Soccer Complex to host the University of Texas at Brownsville at 7 p.m. on Sept. 7.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Adam Geigerman,
Sports Information Director and Promotions Specialist
956-326-3007
AdamS.Geigerman@TAMIU.edu
www.GoDustdevils.com
