ALPINE, Texas – Texas A&M International University men's soccer used a late goal from Abner Zuniga to secure a 3-2 Lone Star Conference victory over Sul Ross State on Saturday at Lobo Field.
The Dustdevils improved to 5-3-2 overall and 2-1-1 in LSC play with the victory. TAMIU controlled much of the attacking action, finishing with a 20-11 advantage in shots and putting 13 attempts on goal.
TAMIU broke through in the 26th minute when Zuniga found the back of the net off an assist from Michael Ochoche, giving the Dustdevils a 1-0 advantage.
Sul Ross State responded just 47 seconds later as Cameron Rothgeb scored to level the match at 1-1.
The Dustdevils quickly reclaimed the lead. Jhon Marulanda struck in the 28th minute for TAMIU's second goal in just over two minutes, putting the Dustdevils back in front, 2-1.
Sul Ross State answered just before halftime, with Yannick Hategekimana scoring in the final seconds of the opening period to send the teams into the break tied at 2-2.
TAMIU continued to generate opportunities in the second half. The Dustdevils had a chance to regain the lead from the penalty spot in the 77th minute, but Zuniga's attempt was stopped by Sul Ross State goalkeeper Matthew Martinez.
Zuniga would get another opportunity — and this time he delivered.
In the 82nd minute, Zuniga scored his second goal of the match to break the 2-2 deadlock and give TAMIU the decisive 3-2 advantage.
The Dustdevils saw out the remaining minutes to earn the conference road victory.
Zuniga led the TAMIU attack with six shots, five on goal and two goals, while Marulanda added a goal on four attempts. Ochoche recorded the Dustdevils' lone assist. Goalkeeper Nicklas Berg-Eriksen played all 90 minutes and made six saves.
TAMIU finished the match with advantages in shots (20-11), shots on goal (13-8) and corner kicks (8-2).
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT:
Abner Zuniga scored twice, including the game-winning goal in the 82nd minute, to lead TAMIU to a 3-2 road victory over Sul Ross State. Zuniga paced the Dustdevils with six shots and five shots on goal, opening the scoring in the 26th minute before delivering the decisive strike late in the second half.
Zuniga is a freshman midfielder for Texas A&M International University. A native of Laredo, TX, Abner is the son of Veronica and Eliu Zuniga and was born on August 18, 2008.
