LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International University men's soccer erased an early deficit and scored the eventual game-winner in the 76th minute to earn a 2-1 victory over Lubbock Christian on Wednesday at Dustdevil Field.
The victory moved the Dustdevils to 4-3-2 overall and 1-1-1 in conference play, while Lubbock Christian fell to 4-5-1 overall and 1-2 in league action.
TAMIU controlled much of the attacking play, finishing with a 20-8 advantage in shots, including a 9-3 edge in shots on goal. The Dustdevils also generated seven corner kicks compared to two for the Chaparrals.
Lubbock Christian struck first in the 22nd minute when Oliver Robinson found the back of the net to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
The Dustdevils responded before halftime. In the 36th minute, Rafael Zaic scored off an assist from Wade Melville, bringing TAMIU level at 1-1. The goal was Zaic's lone shot on target in 88 minutes of action.
TAMIU continued to apply pressure after the break. Luca Baurenhas and Abner Zuniga each forced saves early in the second half before Jaime Martinez nearly broke the deadlock in the 71st minute, striking the crossbar.
The breakthrough came at the 75:52 mark. Aidan Williams, who had returned to the match less than 10 minutes earlier, scored off an assist from Martinez to put the Dustdevils ahead, 2-1.
Williams led TAMIU with five shots and scored the game-winning goal, while Zuniga recorded four shots with three on target. Melville and Martinez each contributed an assist.
Goalkeeper Nicklas Berg-Eriksen played all 90 minutes, making two saves and allowing just one goal as the Dustdevils secured the home victory.
TAMIU finished with 12 shots in the second half and held Lubbock Christian scoreless over the final 68-plus minutes to close out the 2-1 win.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT:
Aidan Williams delivered the decisive moment for the Dustdevils, scoring the game-winning goal in the 76th minute to lift TAMIU to a 2-1 victory over Lubbock Christian. Williams led TAMIU with five shots, putting two on goal, and found the back of the net less than 10 minutes after re-entering the match in the second half.
