LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International men's soccer made the opening statement, but in the end it was West Texas A&M bringing home the victory, 2-1.
 
After a stalemate throughout nearly the entire first half, the Dustdevils (4-7-2, 1-2-0 LSC) scored the opening tally, when senior Johan Portales blasted his third goal of the season to make it 1-0 on an assist from junior Lucas Vaz.
 
TAMIU held the 1-0 lead into halftime, but it was the Buffaloes (9-2-0, 2-1-0 LSC) who sparked early in the second half.
 
West Texas A&M scored two goals in 3:54 to take a 2-1 lead, one it wouldn't surrender. The first goal came at 53:45 and the game-winning goal was netted at 57:39.
 
The Buffaloes outshot the Dustdevils 8-5 in the conrest and 5-2 in shots on goal. Corner kicks were also in favor of West Texas A&M, 3-2.
 
Portales led the Dustdevils, taking three shots on the night and put both of TAMIU's shots on net. Senior Kristian Colaci took the other two shots in the game.
 
The Dustdevils after a hard-fought loss to a nationally ranked opponent now prepare for a road matchup against Oklahoma Christian. Kickoff from Oklahoma City is slated for 7 p.m.