AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward's men's soccer struck less than three minutes into its season opener but conceded a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Texas A&M International on Thursday evening at Lewis-Chen Family Field.
JAKE CICCARELLO opened the scoring just 2:50 into the match, finishing a chance created by ALEX LOYA to give the Hilltoppers an early advantage. The goal was the first of Ciccarello's St. Edward's career.
The Dustdevils immediately looked for an answer, forcing goalkeeper KALEO PEREZ-FRANCIS into a save 13 seconds after the goal. Texas A&M International generated four shots and three corner kicks during the opening half, but the Hilltopper defense protected the lead and carried the 1-0 advantage into halftime.
St. Edward's found more of the match after the break, earning three corner kicks and attempting the first four shots of the second half. MISAEL RANGEL and RILEY BAROLDY each had attempts blocked during the opening five minutes before IZAIAH GARZA put a shot on target in the 66th minute.
BARTEK ZABEK followed with two chances in quick succession, sending one high and another wide right as the Hilltoppers searched for an insurance goal.
St. Edward's created one final opportunity in the 84th minute when EBUKA BRIGHT-OSIGWE forced Nicklas Berg-Eriksen into his third save of the match. Four minutes later, Jaime Martinez scored an unassisted equalizer for Texas A&M International with 1:54 remaining.
The Hilltoppers finished with a 9-7 advantage in shots, including a 6-3 margin after halftime, and put four attempts on goal. Ciccarello, Rangel, Garza and Bright-Osigwe each recorded a shot on target, while Perez-Francis made one save.
St. Edward's and Texas A&M International each opened the season at 0-0-1.
