MATCH NOTES

LAREDO, Texas (October 13, 2017) – The Texas A&M International University men's soccer team will finish up the road portion of their schedule on Saturday, Oct. 14, with a match against UT Permian Basin in Odessa. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.
 
The Dustdevils (6-3-2, 5-3-1 HC) enter the match in second place in the south division and fourth place overall in the Heartland Conference following a dominant 2-0 victory over Lubbock Christian on Thursday. The Falcons (5-6-1, 4-5-0 HC) enter the match in high spirits as they have won their past two matches by a score of 6-3 including a 2-1 comeback victory over St. Mary's last night.
 
Live stats and video will not be provided for Saturday's match but a full recap can be found at www.GoDustdevils.com following the match. Follow the Dustdevils on Instagram and Twitter for an in-depth look into the program and the latest scores and updates.
 
A LOOK AT THE ALL-TIME SERIES
Saturday's match will be the 25^th meeting between the two schools with TAMIU holding a 17-6-1 advantage. The Dustdevils have won the previous five meetings including a 3-1 decision on Oct. 15, 2016 in Laredo.
 
A LOOK AT THE FALCONS
Dennis Peterson has been the men's soccer head coach at UTPB since he started the program back in 2000. The Falcons five wins through 12 matches in 2017 are the most wins for the Falcons since they went 8-9-1 in 2013.
 
The Falcons have been outscored 32-16 this season but that number could be different had they not got blown out 13-2 by West Texas on Sept. 30 in Odessa.
 
Senior Brandon Lee has been one of the best forwards in the Heartland this season having scored a league-high12 goals and 25 points. He recorded his first hat trick of the season on three shots in a 4-2 victory over Oklahoma Christian on Oct. 9. Stefan Faria and Ollie Grundy are tied for the team lead in assists with three. Faria also has a team-high two game-winners joined by Frankie Rodriguez.
 
The Falcons have used two goalkeepers this season in Lucas Gomes and Alec Sproule but look for Sproule to be between the pipes on Saturday afternoon. The senior keepers has started the last three matches for UTPB leading them to two victories. He also ranks third in the conference in saves per game (4.57).
 
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
Carlos Herrera rank second in the Heartland Conference in goals against average (.632), and save percentage (.857) while ranking third in shutouts per game (.444).
 
Alan Rivera's seven goals are good for third in the conference while his 14 points rank him sixth. Rafael Montabes continues to lead the conference in shots per game (3.60) ahead of St. Mary's Nenad Markovic and Midwestern State's Scott Doney.
 
TAMIU is a perfect 3-0-0 when scoring two goals and 2-0-0 on the road.
 
The Dustdevils are 5-2-1 when tied at halftime this season. They have yet to lead a Heartland Conference contest at half in 2017.
 
Saturday could be special day for Claudio Arias as a win over the Falcons would be his 125^th victory at TAMIU and 50^th conference win since taking over in 2004.
 
MARTINEZ TO MACHADO, A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING
Marcelo Machado opened his scoring account against LCU in the 49^th minute as the senior beat the keeper at the near post from just outside the penalty area. David Martinez was credited with an assist, the first of his career, on Machado's goal that proved to be the game-winner.
 
SANCHEZ MAKES HIS FIRST START
Billy Sanchez made his first career start in the Dustdevils 2-0 victory over LCU on Thursday playing a career-high 86 minutes as right back. Entering the match, the freshman had made just three appearances totaling 93 minutes in the midfield and defense.
 
#NCAATOP10
Michael Iskander's free kick winner over #15 St. Edward's last Thursday night was featured as one of the best plays from across college sports on NCAA's social media platforms on Tuesday afternoon. It is the first time a TAMIU player or team has been featured on the #NCAATop10.
 
HEARTLAND IN THE RANKINGS
The top three teams in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Men's National Poll remained the same with Midwestern State at No. 3. St. Edward's dropped three spots to 18^th while West Texas A&M received votes for the first time this season. MSU stayed at third in the Massey Ratings while SEU moved up one spot to 19^th. WT now sits 43^rd with the Dustdevils moving up seven spots to No. 55 with St. Mary's in 56^th.
 
UP NEXT
The Dustdevils return home for their final four matches of the season starting with a showdown against Rogers State on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 5:00 p.m.