AUSTIN, Texas - With a quick turnaround after a game on Sunday, the Hilltoppers faced the new Lone Star Conference team and first seed, the University of Texas at Dallas Comets, and took home the 1-0 win. This is UTD's first loss in conference play.
 
Despite being handed four yellow cards throughout the game, the Hilltoppers maintained composure, patience, and precision, quickly transitioning when necessary and playing with cohesion on both ends of the pitch. The Hilltoppers outshot the Comets 16-13, constantly creating chances throughout both halves.
 
"It's the top team in the conference (UT Dallas), and I thought that the guys' response effort-wise was great," head coach Brian Young said. "The way we won was with a lot of character."
 
Early on, CHRISTIAN MEZAS found the gaps in the Comets' defense, creating an attempt across the right side of the goal, which was deflected on a dive by Comets' keeper Ryder Claborn. BARTEK ZABEK was at the right spot at the right time, finding the deflected ball and hitting the back of the net on a low ball, opening the Hilltopper lead eight minutes in. 
 
"My first goal of the season was a huge weight off my shoulders," Zabek said. "It gives me more confidence now, so it feels great."
 
The Comets' eager counterattack couldn't thread through the tightly connected Hilltopper passes. A midfield connection between FILIP ADAMSKI and Zabek kept the ball out of Comet control, and the back line's composure stopped any advances up the attacking field. 
 
Several attempts by the Comets late in the first half were stopped by relentless Hilltopper defense and heavy presence in the box. PABLO ZAVALA and TIMMY HOLLENBECK led field switches, keeping the ball in Hilltopper possession and maintaining the action in the midfield.
 
Both teams came back at full force for the second half, with a heavy Comet presence in their attacking field. After an attempt from UTD in the box resulted in an injury for Hilltopper goalkeeper ANGEL RAMIREZ, St. Edward's got ahead with Mezas in the midfield, connecting with ARTHUR SOUZA near the box, but were unable to capitalize.
 
Quick to rearrange in the defensive third, the Hilltoppers continuously keep the Comets at bay. With 25 minutes left in the game, the Hilltoppers switched gears to a more aggressive attacking approach, with Souza and Mezas coming in strong on the right side. Good communication and precision got the Hilltoppers swiftly across holes in the Comets' defense.
 
Mezas created a chance on a one-on-one with Claborn towards the end of the game, giving the Hilltoppers momentum as the clock counted down. After the sprinklers unexpectedly turned on and PABLO ZAVALA earned a final yellow with two minutes left, SHUNJI WATANABE and JUD ANDERSON both created chances to extend the lead, each hitting the goalpost before the final whistle blew, with the Hilltoppers securing the win. 
 
"I think the guys played really well, so we just have to keep the mentality, the energy, and the smiles on their faces ahead of DBU," Young said.
 
This win brings St. Edward's to a 5-2-1 record in conference play and allows them to stay in contention for the top two seeds. The Hilltoppers now travel to face Dallas Baptist University on Saturday, Nov. 1, before playing their last game of the regular season at home against West Texas A&M on Wednesday, Nov. 5.