PORTALES, N.M. – Late-game heroics from senior midfielder, Andrew Fox, boosted St. Edward's past Eastern New Mexico, 1-0, Monday afternoon at the ENMU Soccer Field.
In the 87
th minute of play, St. Edward's (4-2) had only recorded two shots on goal. However, a dangerous tackle from Greyhound defender, Ryan Sinclair, gave St. Edward's a free kick from 35 yards out, with time winding down.
The opportunity was given to Alex Totilo, who was appearing in his second game for the Hilltoppers this season. Totilo would not disappoint, putting a shot into the box, leaving it up for grabs, and finding the foot of Fox, who nailed home the game-winner.
Fox, who has been a vital part of the Hilltopper offensive success, with four assists, had yet to find the back of the net himself. His game winner assured St. Edward's its third-straight victory in the first three games of its extensive seven game road trip.
"Our team believed we were going to win," head coach Brian Young said. "Several of our players contributed to Alex's (Totilo) free kick and Andrew's (Fox) game-winning goal. It was a team effort."
In a quiet first half, St. Edward's struggled to find opportunities while Eastern New Mexico (1-4-1) recorded six shots. St. Edward's first major chance came in the 27
th minute when Fox fired a shot on frame, only to be saved and rebounded towards Pablo Covarrubias, who booted his own attempt off the post and wide.
The second half would test the toughness of the Hilltoppers. Twenty fouls would be recorded in the second half and eight shots would be sent towards the Hilltopper goal, only to be denied. Goalkeeper Kevin Leib and the defensive line would record its second-straight shutout and its third of the season.
"It was a long trip and start to our seven-straight games on the road, but our guys got two well-deserved regional wins. Now it's on to a very good St. Mary's team that is playing well," Young remarked.
The Hilltoppers will look to keep its winning streak alive as they take on the Rattlers of St. Mary's Thursday night in San Antonio. The game will start at 7 p.m. with live video and stats available of the Rattler Athletic Website.
