Box Score AUSTIN, Texas – The St. Edward's men's soccer team returned to their winning ways with a 3-1 victory over McMurry on a cloudy Monday afternoon at Lewis-Chen Family Field. The Hilltoppers improve to 9-2-1 overall and 5-0 in Heartland Conference play.
 
St. Edward's was in attack mode early with multiple chances to take the game's first lead. ANDERSON MCDANIEL was involved early, taking an early shot and three corner kicks. McDaniel's shot went straight over the net while his corner kicks never had an opportunity to pose a serious threat.
 
Late in the first period, St. Edward's had their opportunities to break the ice and score. COLETON STYMIEST took a shot, but it was blocked the swarming War Hawk defense. Seconds later, NATE COONS had a header chance, but it was also blocked. RYAN DENDINGER and JASON AIKEN also took shots, but were both blocked. McMurry kept ten men on the defensive side of the field at times in attempt to limit scoring opportunities to St. Edward's. The score was 0-0 going into halftime.
 
In the second half, the War Hawks continued to slow down the pace of the game.
It wasn't until the 64^th minute that St. Edward's had a real opportunity of scoring. McDaniel was taken down outside the box and was awarded a free kick. McDaniel fired it through the wall and it found the back of the net for the 1-0 St. Edward's lead.
 
Ten minutes later, the War Hawks countered when James Ness was awarded with a penalty kick. Ness beat JOHN KASCHAK and tied the game at one apiece with about 24 minutes remaining.
 
The Hilltoppers regained the lead two minutes later when DANIEL RILEY scored his team leading 10^th goal of the season. JASON AIKEN crossed the ball from the right side and Riley beat the keeper from 10 yards out.
 
Riley put the exclamation point on the game with a penalty kick in the 87^th minute. Gustavo Mendoza of McMurry took down Riley in the box to set up the penalty kick. Riley beat the keeper for his 11^th goal of the season. The Hilltoppers would run out the clock and win the match 3-1.
 
Head coach Brian Young was pleased with his teams effort, "I was proud of the team bouncing back with a tough loss to Midwestern on Saturday with a good performance today."
 
He added, "The team continues to maintain our focus on each game ahead of us and we will need this against a very dangerous UT-Permian Basin this coming Saturday."
 
The Hilltoppers will be back in action on Saturday, for a conference matchup against UT-Permian Basin. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. at Lewis-Chen Field on the campus of St. Edward's. Live stats will be available through the Hilltopper Athletic website.