AUSTIN, Texas – The #12 St. Edward's men's soccer team ended the match with just nine men, but JACK BLANTON's goal in the 80^th minute gave the Hilltoppers a thrilling 1-0 victory over Fort Lewis Sunday afternoon at Lewis-Chen Family Field.
 
After an uneventful first half that saw St. Edward's (1-0-1) outshoot Fort Lewis, 4-2, the action started to pick up in the second half.
 
In the second frame, the Hilltoppers controlled the action from the start. PABLO COVARRUBIAS and SAMUEL JACKSON each sent a shot on goal, but Skyhawk goalkeeper Ryan Shaul made saves on both.
 
Fort Lewis (0-2) had its turn at the net starting in the 67^th minute with two shots sandwiched around a shot by Hilltopper NATE COONS. Goalkeeper KEVIN LEIB kept the visitors off the scoreboard.
 
Then things got physical. With the ball loose in the penalty box, St. Edward's defender RYAN DENDINGER slid for the ball and collided with Shaul. Both would be given red cards for their play.
 
KYLE PUJATS followed with two yellow cards in the 74^th and 77^th minute to put the Hilltoppers down a man with just nine players for the final 12 minutes of play.
 
Most teams would go on the defensive faced with that situation, but St. Edward's bucked that trend. A brilliant run by substitute ADAM BONVILLE won St. Edward's a cornerkick in the 80^th minute. JULIAN SANCHEZ' corner found Blanton at the top of the box, and Blanton buried it far post.
 
To preserve the victory, the Hilltoppers hunkered down and staved off a last push by the Skyhawks. Leib made two more saves and came away with the win.
 
St. Edward's outshot Fort Lewis, 8-6, and had a 7-2 advantage on cornerkicks.
 
St. Edward's will be back in action Thursday when they take on rival Texas A&M-International. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. in Laredo, Texas. Live Stats will be available on the Dustdevil Athletic Website.