AUSTIN, Texas – Forward ARTHUR SOUZA broke through with his first goal of the season, and the St. Edward's men's soccer team shut out St. Mary's 2-0 to win the first Battle of the Saints to be played under the lights at Lewis-Chen Family Field. 
 
St. Edward's showcased extreme composure, communicating clearly as passes connected across the pitch. IZAIAH GARZA, playing right-back instead of his usual wide attacker, was pivotal to successful, quick transitions and defensive efforts, contributing to the relentless back four. 
 
"We needed help being able to recover, being able to get forward, having more consistency on the ball," associate head coach Corey Miller said. "It's just a matter of when the attitude and mentality are right, we trust the guys on the team."
 
Both teams picked up speed midway through the first half, with well-orchestrated, poised possession controls and field switches. Possession was evenly split, but the Hilltoppers dominated the presence in the box, accounting for 31 percent of their overall possession. Despite heavy attacking efforts from the Rattlers, the Hilltoppers kept the gaps closed and their eyes open, pushing the Rattlers away from the area. 
 
A quick conversion from the Hilltoppers with an interception from FILIP ADAMSKI in the midfield at the 28-minute mark got the ball at ARTHUR SOUZA's feet on the right side of the pitch, who bypassed a dive from the Rattler keeper Johnny Thurbin and scored to the sound of the crowd's cheers.
 
"It felt great, a huge win off my shoulders," Souza said. "I've definitely been struggling to get that breakthrough goal, and it's really important to get it in such a big game."
 
The Rattlers entered the second half eager for an equalizer, pushing for chances early amid Hilltopper pressure in the area. The connection between every player on the pitch enabled seamless transitions, maintaining a high energy level throughout the match.
 
With 18 minutes left, BARTEK ZABEK came in strong, weaving his way between the Rattler defense and finding a clear shot on target, but was blocked by Thurbin. The even efforts from both ends of the pitch resulted in seven shots on target for each team. The diversion to the corner got the Hilltoppers a second chance shot off SHUNJI WATANABE, with a volley over the target.
 
The powerful run gave the Hilltoppers momentum, creating chances with JUD ANDERSON along the right side. The Rattlers remained attentive, finding ways to protect the area and shift the field quickly after Hilltopper attempts. Throw-ins were quickly intercepted by the Hilltoppers, rotating the ball around the midfield.
 
With less than five minutes remaining, MATTHEW DEVANEY broke free for a one-on-one opportunity against Thurbin. The reigning LSC Goalkeeper of the Year blocked the first attempt, but Devaney gathered the rebound and found the back of the net with ease, doubling St. Edward's lead and cementing the Hilltopper win. 
 
"The biggest thing was just making sure that our energy, our mentality were there for 90 minutes," associate head coach Corey Miller said. "(Mentality and communication) were a big talking point going into the game, putting everything you have into the match and letting the result take care of itself."
 
The Hilltoppers move to 4-4-3 overall and 2-1-1 in Lone Star Conference play. They go back on the road for a series of two away games, first in Laredo against Texas A&M International at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15. They return home on Oct. 25 for a Senior Day match against the University of Texas at Tyler.