AUSTIN, Texas - The Hilltoppers faced the Lubbock Christian Chaparrals in the Lone Star Conference Tournament semifinals at Lewis-Chen Family Field, falling short 1-0 to end the 2025 season at home.
 
Intense pressure from both ends, combined with extreme physicality and difficulties advancing past the midfield line, dictated the game, especially in the second half. Through a combined 28 fouls and nine yellow cards, the Hilltoppers showcased composure and grit in their second consecutive LSC semifinals trip. 
 
St. Edward's outshot the Chaps and dominated possession, but struggled to connect passes past the midfield circle and finish opportunities. Despite ending their season in the semifinals, the Hilltoppers finished the season as the second seed, demonstrating their growth and commitment to constant improvement.
 
"I'm very proud, not only of these guys to my left (MASOOD PORSA and CHRISTIAN MEZAS) and right (ARTHUR SOUZA), but of the whole team," head coach Brian Young said. "The guys have been really resilient and today's game was a piece of that – the first half we weren't very aggressive and the second half we went all out, and that's when we play our best soccer."
 
St. Edward's controlled the possession early on despite LCU's press, placing the ball for a throw-in near the box less than five minutes in. The Hilltoppers lost control of possession, and the Chaps quickly switched the field but were unable to find gaps in the Hilltopper defense. 
 
A consistent press from the Chaps wasn't enough to overcome the relentless Hilltopper response, with IZAIAH GARZA and Mezas leading creative efforts up the pitch and persevering through the tight Chaps' midfield and back line. 
 
With 20 minutes left in the first half, MATTHEW DEVANEY led a run from midfield up to the box, going up one-on-one with Chaps' keeper Connor Pettigrew, who blocked off the first shot, but Devaney secured the rebound. Crossing it from the left side of the goal while Pettigrew was down, the Hilltoppers found space in the box with Souza and SHUNJI WATANABE, but were unable to capitalize. 
 
The Chaps transitioned to their attacking field, getting an opportunity in the crowded box, and a push call on Hilltopper IZAIAH GARZA resulted in a penalty kick for the Chaps. Chaps' centerback and captain Geoffroy Letienne stepped up to the six-yard line, finding the back of the right side of the net. 
 
Keeping their momentum, the Chaps maintained a strong press and held possession in their attacking third. The rest of the half was dominated by an aggressive and relentless approach from the Chaps.
 
Back in the pitch for the second half, the Chaps got a free kick after a foul from SHUNJI WATANABE outside of the box, but were unable to connect in the box. A short pass from Francis at goal found its way through the left side of the pitch, meeting Mezas, who bypassed two Chaps in front of the box. A ball crossed over the box gets to Watanabe's feet, who shot it wide to the right.
 
The Hilltoppers persevered through one-on-ones and recovered second touches in the midfield, moving the ball forward to their attacking end. Despite maintaining possession for most of the last 20 minutes of the game, St. Edwards couldn't overcome the Chaps' press in the midfield. 
 
In the final minute, the Hilltoppers were able to get a breakthrough along the right side, securing back-to-back corner kicks. Even though all the players were in the box, including Perez-Francis, Pettigrew and the Chaps pushed all chances away, securing the 1-0 win.
 
Despite the unfortunate ending to the season, graduating seniors Souza and Porsa expressed their gratitude for the program and the journey that has brought them here, especially since both have been extremely important pieces to the program's development since its reinstatement in 2023.  
 
"Even though it didn't go the way we wanted, everything in the past few years has been worth it," Porsa said. "Life is hard, you just gotta choose your hard, and I'm glad I chose this one."