AUSTIN, Texas – It was a monumental day for the St. Edward's Men's Soccer team. On Senior Day, the Hilltoppers defeated rival St. Mary's, 3-0, to earn its third-consecutive Heartland Conference Championship, and also, marked head coach Brian Young's 100^th career win for St. Edward's.
 
Before the game, St. Edward's seniors: SAM BURNS, ANDREW FOX, DANIEL RILEY, and COLETON STYMIEST, were honored alongside family and friends for their achievements while on the Hilltop.
 
"Through remarkable dedication and hard work, our four seniors have pushed the program to new heights. They will be missed," Young said of his veteran class.
 
Offensive leaders, Fox and Riley; however, struggled to put home offensive chances early in the affair for the Hilltoppers.
 
Riley, had a pair of golden scoring opportunities in the second, and fourth minute of play, respectively; however, found the hands of the Rattler goalkeeper. Fox, scored what was thought to be the go-ahead goal in the 26^th minute, only to be called back due to an offside violation.
 
Stymiest would follow with an opening of his own, as he connected with a cross from Fox, only to be denied by the crossbar.
 
Physical play would define the remainder of the first half. No goals were surrendered and this Battle of the Saints halftime score stood, 0-0.
 
As play opened up in the second half, the physicality picked up where it left off, as seven fouls were called in the opening five minutes of action.
 
On a day where St. Mary's goalkeeper, Mitchell Kilmer looked tough to beat, and eager to deny St. Edward's a championship celebration, it only took one mistake for the Hilltoppers to capitalize.
 
After a foul was called thirty yards out, St. Edward's set up to take a free kick. A lofty cross found the hands of Kilmer and looked to be a routine grab. However, to the Hilltoppers advantage, Kilmer dropped the ball, and Fox was there to clean up the mess, recording his 11^th goal of the season and giving his team a massive 1-0 lead in the 73^rd minute.
 
Fox, who has had a brilliant year so far for the Hilltoppers, would be given a senior day gift from teammate Karl Dezoeten, just minutes later.
 
Dezoeten managed his way past the Rattler defense, maneuvered a brilliant cut back, and played a perfect ball to Fox's feet five yards out. Fox calmly placed the ball in the upper ninety, for his second goal of the game, giving St. Edward's a confident 2-0 lead.
 
Less than a minute later, Riley would find PABLO COVARRUBIAS, who struck the ball into the net for his third goal of the season, granting St. Edward's a commanding 3-0 lead, in the 81^st minute of play.
 
As all four seniors were substituted off the field to a standing ovation, the Hilltopper faithful began to celebrate while the clock was winding down.
 
With the 3-0 win, the St. Edward's Men's Soccer team officially clinched its third -consecutive Heartland Conference Championship, along with Young's 100^th career victory.
 
Young, who is in the midst of his 11^th season as head coach has experienced many special moments in his tenure. The two-time reigning Heartland Conference Coach of the Year; undoubtedly, felt the magnitude of today's occasions.
 
"Today was a good day. Winning the Heartland Conference three years in a row is a tremendous accomplishment. However, this year will be the first year we get a chance to host the conference tournament. On top of all that, getting to 100 wins, who could forget this day?"
 
In the past 10 years, Young has produced 55 All-Conference players, coached 33 all-region performers, along with five All-Americans. When talking of his personal milestone, he quickly complimented all those who contributed.
 
"I have had countless great players and many terrific people on my staff over the past 10 years who deserve a lot of credit," Young said. "Matt O'Sullivan has really impacted the program over the past four years and does an excellent job for our team," Young stated when talking about his assistant coach.
 
With 100 wins under his belt, Young claims, "The next game against Texas A&M-International, is the biggest game since I have been here." With a win Monday, it will seem promising for the Hilltoppers to gain its first post-season bid since 1999. "I know our players will be ready," he said.
 
Monday's matchup against the Dustdevils will kick off at 2:30 p.m. from Lewis-Chen Family Field. Live video and stats will be available through the Hilltopper Athletic Website.