THE RUNDOWN
EDINBURG, Texas – The St. Edward's University men's soccer team opened its 2017 preseason Sunday with a 2-0 exhibition win over UT Rio Grande Valley at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex.
 
Redshirt-freshman midfielder RUBEN GONZALEZ struck first for the Hilltoppers in the 34th minute. The transfer from Drake (Iowa) had one shot blocked before knocking the rebound past UTRGV goalkeeper Andy Rios.
 
The second SEU goal came from junior GRANT MOBLEY in the 64th minute. Just like Gonzalez, Mobley knocked in the rebound from his own shot, extending the lead to 2-0.
 
St. Edward's defense held the Vaqueros to just one shot in the final 27 minutes. WILLIAM TUFFIN, a sophomore goalkeeper, recorded two saves on his way to the shutout victory.
 
HIGHLIGHTS

• Mobley led the SEU attack with five shots while putting three on goal.
• A trio of Hilltoppers notched multiple shots in the game, as PARKER FYFE, JULIAN SANCHEZ, and Gonzalez all recorded two shots each.
• St. Edward's finished the game with 18 shots, 10 of which were on target.

 
STAT OF THE GAME I
6 – Hilltopper players who played the full 90 minutes: OWAIN HOSKINS (D), CODY SPITZER (D), NATE COONS (D), TY MOBLEY (D), WILLIAM TUFFIN (GK), DANIEL WAKEHAM (MF).
 
STAT OF THE GAME II
8 – Cornerkicks attempted by St. Edward's compared to none from UTRGV.
 
TOP QUOTE
Head Coach Brian Young on his biggest takeways…
"The shutout was the biggest takeaway for me. I thought their keeper made some outstanding saves in the second half. Creating chances and shots on goal were a concern during the first week of preseason, but obviously the front six did well."
 
WHAT'S NEXT
The Hilltoppers head to Belton, Texas Tuesday for a preseason match against Mary Hardin-Baylor at 5 p.m. at Cru Soccer Field.
 
Follow St. Edward's Men's Soccer all season long on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the handle @SEUMSoccer