AUSTIN, Texas- Twenty-four hours after being named Heartland Conference Player of the Year, ANDREW FOX, scored the game's lone goal in a 1-0 victory over Texas A&M-International. That sent the St. Edward's men's soccer team to the Heartland Conference championship game, Sunday afternoon at Lewis-Chen Family Field.
 
Just four days earlier, No. 11 St. Edward's (15-2-1), defeated Texas A&M-International (8-10-1), 6-1. With a much greater importance, today's matchup would pose a much more difficult task for the Hilltoppers.
 
Moments after kickoff, numerous fouls were recorded on both sides, setting the stage for what would be a tenacious affair.
 
The Dustdevils would have the first scoring opportunity of the match; however, in the seventh minute of play. St. Edward's goalkeeper, and Heartland Conference first-teamer, KEVIN LEIB, would make his only save of the afternoon.
 
As physical play continued, the Hilltoppers would be denied several scoring opportunities themselves. Although, in the 44^th minute of play, the ferocity of the Dustdevil defense would end up hurting them, granting a penalty kick to St. Edward's. The Heartland Conference leading goal scorer, Fox, was called upon to take the kick. The veteran goal scorer would confidently step up, as he has done all year, and give the Hilltoppers a first half lead, 1-0.
 
As the second half began, Texas A&M-International was determined to keep its season alive, stepping up its pressure and continuing its physical style of play.
 
For the remainder of the game, St. Edward's and its dominant defense held tough, denying everything that came its way. Over the course of the game, 42 fouls were recorded, a season high for the Hilltoppers.
 
As play turned even more physical, five yellow cards would be given out in the second half. In the 87^th minute, a substantial altercation broke out, and Cesar Guerrero would receive a red card, forcing the Dustdevils to play down a man for the final three minute of play.
 
In the end, the Hilltoppers would hang on, advancing to the Heartland Conference championship game. As frustration built, an additional red card was given to the Dustdevil coaching staff after the final whistle blew.
 
"It is a massive rivalry between us and Texas A&M-International," head coach Brian Young said. "Having played three times this year, and being a conference tournament game, the stage was set for a physical battle. In the end I'm proud of our guys, beating them three times and doing so in several different ways. The main thing is that we have a chance to reach one of our goals of winning the Heartland Conference Tournament."
 
The Hilltoppers will take on Newman, Sunday afternoon at Lewis-Chen Family Field.
 
"Newman showed its quality in the first round against St. Mary's and it should be a good game," Young said.
 
Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. and the winner will be crowned the 2014 Heartland Conference Tournament champions. Live video and stats will be available via the St. Edward's Athletic Website.