ODESSA, Texas – The defending Heartland Conference champion Texas A&M International University exclaimed a, 3-0, statement at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin on Monday. The first match of the Dustdevils' (4-2-0, 0-0-0 Heartland) five-match road run reversed last season's 5-2 defeat, pushing TAMIU's all-time record against UTPB to 14-6-1.
The Dustdevils saw junior center back Camilo Botero open their scoring account in the game, while he also deposited his first goal of the season in the 32nd minute. He nodded his aerial strike off a Jovany Macias cross from the right edge of the 18-yard box after a failed corner kick.
Macias, the Dustdevils' senior captain, was inches from doubling the Dustdevils' lead as he took a 35th minute penalty kick, but UTPB goalkeeper Eric Beltran guessed right and completed the save.
Another Dustdevil opened his 2014 scoring account three minutes later. TAMIU newcomer and Kirkcaldy, Scotland, native Michael Iskander struck the exclamation point to a sweetly synchronized counter attack. Ryan Hodgson and Aaron Zuniga began the symphony before Iskander received his feed and finished it.
Robert Dominguez, starting in just his first match of the year, cemented TAMIU's victory just four minutes into the second half. The speedy wingback sliced along the left touchline before slamming his shot off the goalpost and into the back of the net. It was his second goal of the season.
The Dustdevils outshot the Falcons 18-14, and keeper Solomon Moctezume sealed his second clean sheet of the season with six saves.
TAMIU will next face South Central Regional rival Midwestern State on Sept. 26 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
