AUSTIN, Texas- In a monumental game for 16^th-ranked St. Edward's, the Hilltoppers brought perhaps their best showing of the year, defeating 13^th-ranked Midwestern State, 3-1, at Lewis-Chen Family Field Saturday afternoon. 
 
It was a British bombardment for the Hilltoppers, as three English players netted all three goals for St. Edwards (10-2-1).
 
The first to score was DANIEL RILEY. Nearly three minutes into the game, teammate Colton Stymiest played a useful ball into the box. The two-time reigning Heartland Conference Player of the Year, Riley, masterfully volleyed the ball into the back of the net, igniting the Hilltopper faithful and giving his team an early, 1-0 lead. ANDREW FOX also garnered an assist on the play.
 
Next into the scoring column was none other than St. Edward's leading goal scorer, Fox. Fellow Hilltopper NATE COONS crossed a magnificent ball, which landed directly onto Fox's head and into the net, giving St. Edward's a commanding, 2-0 lead in the 22^nd minute of play.
 
Immediately following the second goal, Midwestern State (9-2-2), began to heighten the physicality on the pitch. Fifteen fouls were recorded in the first half, along with three yellow cards. KYLE RUCK collected the only yellow card for the Hilltoppers in the first half, and the halftime score stood, 2-0.
 
The Mustangs would come out from halftime determined to create more scoring opportunities, and would do just that.
 
In the 60^th minute of action, forward Albert Rodriguez displayed a brilliant individual piece of soccer for the Mustangs, drilling a shot from 20 yards out to cut the Hilltopper lead in half, 2-1.
 
While Midwestern State continued to attack, the Hilltopper defense, along with terrific goalkeeping from KEVIN LEIB, would rise to the magnitude of the occasion, denying the Mustangs on a consistent basis.
 
With the Mustang offense on full attack, the Hilltoppers would look to counter. In the 82^nd minute of play, Primo Covarrubias did just that, playing SAM BURNS a ball, leaving him one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Burns calmly placed a shot far post and into the back of the net, giving the Hilltoppers a 3-1 lead.
 
"We had a lot of chances in the second half to put the game out of reach, and SAM BURNS finally did. I was very happy for him, as he has been working extremely hard the past few weeks," head coach Brian Young said.
 
The Hilltoppers, who could taste victory, decided to make the match a little more interesting, as previous yellow card offender, Ruck, collected another, and was sent off the field, leaving his team one-man down with six minutes to play.
 
Fortunately, Leib and the defense would shutdown the Mustang offense and the Hilltoppers would hang on to win its biggest match of the year, 3-1.
 
The Hilltoppers, who tied the Mustangs nearly one month ago, were exalted with the games result.
 
"Since our last match versus Midwestern State, we have drastically improved in many areas. They are a tough team and our advancements showed today," Young said. "However, we cannot become complacent, and must continue to earn good results for the remainder of the regular season," he stated.
 
The Hilltoppers will be back in action Saturday, October 25^th, as they take on Lubbock Christian at 2:30 p.m. in Lubbock. Video and live stats will be available through the Chaparral Athletic Website.