Hilltoppers struggle early but collect themselves for 2-0 victory over UT-Permian Basin
AUSTIN, Texas - The St. Edward's men's soccer team started slow but finished strong in the second half to defeat UT-Permian Basin, 2-0, Sunday afternoon at the SEU Soccer Field.
St. Edward's (7-7-2, 7-1 HC) had numerous chances in the first half but could not connect. The Hilltoppers outshot the Falcons, 11-5 in the first period. St. Edward's looked to have the first goal of the match in the 15th minute when senior Josh Nannen had a header into an almost empty net, but it went wide right.
UT-Permian Basin (4-11-1, 2-7 HC) had its one and only chance in the 23rd minute when Raul Lopez got behind the Hilltopper defense and had a one-on-one with St. Edward's goalkeeper Matt Moore. Lopez shot, but Moore was there to make his only save of the game.
In the second half, junior Joeski Williams put the Hilltoppers on the board in the 50th minute. Williams received a cutback cross from sophomore Sean Arters and Williams was there right in front of the goal to send it into the net.
The Hilltoppers would add a goal in the 63rd minute to put the game away. Nannen deposited a penalty kick between the posts for a 2-0 lead.
The St. Edward's defense would take it from there as they held the Falcons without a shot in the second half. The Hilltoppers would outshot the opposition, 20-5 and had six shots on goal compared to just 1 for the Falcons.
The Hilltoppers will be back in action Friday when they finish off the regular season with a two-match roadtrip. They will take on Texas A&M-International on Friday in Laredo. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. They will end the regular season in San Antonio versus long-time rival St. Mary's.