Box Score AUSTIN, Texas -The #14 St. Edward's men's soccer team took Texas A&M-International to a 1-1 draw Sunday afternoon at the SEU Soccer Field. This tie clinched second place for the Hilltoppers in the Heartland Conference.
St. Edward's (13-4-2, 7-1-2 HC) had the first scoring opportunity in the 21st minute when junior Brandin Parras received a pass from senior Patrick Miller and knocked into the back of the net with a header.
Both teams settled into a tight defensive match and closed out the first half without another goal being scored. Much of the second half went by without either team scoring as well; however, in the 86th minute, Texas A&M-International's (12-4-1, 5-3-1 HC) Greg Mulamba scored an unassisted goal from 15 yards out to tie the score, 1-1.
Neither team scored again in regulation so the game went into overtime. Both teams fought hard, but the scoring drought continued throughout the first overtime period, forcing a second overtime period. Neither team scored during this period either, ending the game in a tie, 1-1.
Both teams did have their fair share of chances to score during the game. Texas A&M-International outshot St. Edward's, 21-15. The Dustdevils put 11 shots on goal, with the Hilltoppers tallied seven. The game was very physical, with the Rattlers being whistled for 20 fouls, two yellow cards. The Hilltoppers collected 25 fouls, five yellow cards, and one red card. The Hilltoppers played much of the second overtime period without Parras, who was given a red card after receiving his second yellow card of the game.
This match concluded the regular season for St. Edward's. The Hilltoppers finished in second place in the Heartland Conference, just one point behind Incarnate Word. St. Edward's still has a shot to make the NCAA Regional tournament and will find out their postseason fate Monday night at 7:00 p.m. on the NCAA Selection Special. The top two teams from each region will advance to the regional tournament and the Hilltoppers are currently ranked second in the South Central Regional poll.
