CANYON, Texas – The West Texas A&M men's soccer team came out on fire against CSU-Pueblo on Sunday afternoon scoring three goals in the first 12 minutes on its way to a 3-0 victory. With the win WT improves to 3-1 in the season and 13-1-1 against the ThunderWolves all-time. The Buffs are now a perfect 8-0 against CSUP at home.
"We haven't been fast starters this season but it was something that we emphasized this week during practice," said head coach Butch Lauffer. "We wanted to get on top of them and we did exactly that. It was good to see Gabe get one because he has been trying so hard."
The Buffs got off to a dream start in the 6th minute after Evan Bozman was taken down chasing a long ball down the right side. Ivan Ulloa made the ThunderWolves pay as his perfectly placed free kick found an open Tom Vickers in the box.
It marks the first time in Vicker's career that he has scored goals in back-to-back matches and marks his first career game winner.
WT wasn't done as Ulloa added a brace in the 8th minute after Sean Dublin was brought down in the box. The sophomore from Wylie, Texas converted his first career penalty shot as he sent the keeper the other way for his third goal of the season.
The Buffs added a third just four minutes later when Gabe Williams played the offside trap perfectly. The junior forward timed his run perfect as he got on the end of Bozman's through ball before chipping the ball over the charging keeper.
"It was a great feeling but I am more excited that we got the win today," said Gabe Wiliams when asked about scoring his first goal of the season. "The coaches were preaching to energy level this whole and we came out firing from the start."
The Buffs nearly went up 4-0 in the 38th minute on a shot from Rafael Vasconcellos. The substitute found some space just inside the box but was denied by the post.
The Buffs finished the first half with a 13-5 advantage in shots.
The second half was highlighted by physical play from both sides as they combined for 18 fouls. Neither team really challenged the keeper in the second half although the Buffs held a 7-5 advantage in shots.
WT finished the match with a 20-10 advantage in shots and 6-1 advantage in corners.
Patrick Satorie finished the match with five saves for his 12th career shutout.
The Buffs will open up Heartland Conference play next week with matches against No. 9 Midwestern State and Oklahoma Christian. WT will face off against the rival Mustangs on Thursday, Sept. 15 in Wichita Falls before traveling to Edmond on Saturday, Sept. 17 for a match up with the Eagles.
Notes:
· Entering Heartland Conference play, the Buffs have outscored opponents 13-1 at The Pitch.
· Ivan Ulloa and Sean Dublin finished the match with a team-high 3 shots.
· Ulloa now leads the team in goals (3) and points (8).
· Eight different Buffs had a shot on goal.
· WT has now scored on a penalty kick in back-to-back matches.
· Junior Luke Smith played 29 minutes in his debut for the Buffs.
