AUSTIN, Texas – After a handful of near misses, the 14^th-ranked St. Edward's Men's Soccer got two late goals to defeat Texas A&M-International, 2-0, Thursday afternoon at Lewis-Chen Family Field. With the victory, St. Edward's clinches the outright regular season Heartland Conference Title.
 
The first half of play had St. Edward's with eight shots compared to just two for TAMU-International (5-10-1, 3-3-1 HC) as the Hilltoppers controlled the pace of play. St. Edward's had a shot from RYAN DENDINGER hit the right post, and two more that were saved by the Dustdevil goalkeeper. The half would end scoreless for both teams.
 
In the second half, St. Edward's was again the aggressor, taking five cornerkicks in the first 20 minutes. The Hilltoppers finally struck gold in the 75^th minute with their sixth corner of the half. PABLO COVARRUBIAS sent the corner into the box and it found the feet of defender OWAIN HOSKINS. The defender sent a one-timer screaming into net for a 1-0 lead.
 
"We had quality set pieces in the second half, and we just had to gamble a little," Hoskins said. "I saw it bounce as it came to me and I just put a foot on it. It is always in the back of your head when you can't score. You just have to keep at it and know that a goal is going to come."
 
Four minutes later, another defender made a play. Sophomore TY MOBLEY drove down the right side. He sent a cross to the front post and DYLAN ARMSTRONG cut in with a one-timer shot past the keeper for a 2-0 Hilltopper lead. The goal was Armstrong's seventh of the year.
 
From there, St. Edward's would coast. The Hilltoppers outshot the Dustdevils, 14-3, and had 10 cornerkicks compared to just one for the visitors.
 
"I was very proud of the team's effort and their ability to follow the game plan until the final whistle," head coach Brian Young said. "Our defending produced few shots by TAMIU, and another shutout. Our attack created numerous chances and finally we were rewarded late in the match."
 
St. Edward's will be back in action Saturday as they host long-time rival St. Mary's. With a victory, the Hilltoppers can complete their second-straight undefeated conference record. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. at Lewis-Chen Family Field. The day will also be Senior Day for St. Edward's. Live video and stats will be available on the Hilltopper Athletic Website.