CANYON, Texas – Texas A&M International passed an early season South Central Regional test against West Texas A&M by way of a tense 2-1 score line at The Pitch in Canyon, Texas, on Sunday. For just the second time in nine meetings, the Dustdevils (2-0-0, 0-0-0 Heartland Conference) bested the Buffs (1-1-0).

"We are very happy with this result; it is an important victory," TAMIU coach Claudio Arias said. "It is the first time we've beaten West Texas at their home field, and they are a great team with a great soccer tradition. They are full of success.

"All of that makes the taste of the victory better. Our group of young men are determined and focused, and they showed that (in the match).

The Heartland Conference's 2013 Freshman of the Year Ryan Hodgson opened the scoring with his second goal in as many matches. The Sunderland, England, native notched his netting in the 58^th minute when fellow forward Eduardo Gonzalez connected with a cross.

The Dustdevils' lead lasted less than 20 minutes though, as WTAM's Christopher Hutton scored in the 74^th minute to equalize at 1-all.

With 15 minutes remaining, senior stalwart Jovany Macias slotted the game-sealing strike with splendor. The match-winner was the midfielder's first of the year.

The Dustdevils were outshot 15-7, but TAMIU goalkeeper Salomon Moctezume sizzled with six saves and just the single goal allowed – sliding his goals-allowed average to an even 1.00 through 180 minutes played.

The Dustdevils must now face another pair of regional tests as they host the TAMIU Men's Soccer Fall Invitational presented by Westwind Homes. TAMIU hosts Eastern New Mexico at 5 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the TAMIU Soccer Complex in the event's opener. St. Mary's and Fort Lewis play immediately following the opener, at 7:30 p.m. Play concludes on Sept. 14 as StMU plays ENMU at 11 a.m. and TAMIU faces Fort Lewis at 1:30 p.m.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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