SAN ANTONIO, Texas –The West Texas A&M men's soccer team won their third consecutive match with a 3-0 victory over St. Mary's on Saturday afternoon in San Antonio. With the win, the Buffs improve to 6-2, 3-1 in conference play while the Rattlers fell to 2-4-1, 1-3 in conference play.
"I am really proud of this team and how they played today," WT head coach Butch Lauffer said. "We had to use a lot of different players today and I think everyone stepped up and did an excellent job. It was a true team effort with all of the injuries and fatigue that happen during this road trip."
The Buffs scored first against an opponent for the sixth match this season when Simon Sebbah got on the end of Christian Suther's corner in the 15th minute. The Paris, France native picked up his second goal in as many games to give the Buffs an early 1-0 lead.
WT dictated the pace of the match for most of the first half finishing with a 10-2 advantage in shots, including seven shots on goal.
The Buffs added a second just four minutes into the second on a goal from sophomore Ivan Ulloa. The goal was set up by the build-up play from the midfield before Mirza Dizdarevic's header fell at the feet of Ulloa at the near post
The Rattlers continued to struggle to find any space in their own half of the field thanks to the strong play of Josh Palm, Ryan Kenendy, Thomas Vickers and Troy Reeves.
Michael Garcia's first career goal sealed the deal for the Buffs in the 86th minute. The sophomore from Dallas, Texas got on the end of a through ball from Dizdarevic to make it 3-0 and dash any hopes of Rattler comeback.
WT finished the match with a 16-5 shat advantage taking six corners throughout the match.
Patrick Satorie made one save to pick up his fourth shutout of the season.
The Buffs will return to the friendly confines of The Pitch for six straight matches starting with Lubbock Christian on Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.
Notes:
· The Buffs are now 6-0-0 this season when they score first.
· With the win, the Buffs now lead the all-time series 18-2-2 and 5-1-1 in San Antonio.
· Simon Sebbah now has a team-high two game-winning goals.
· Ivan Ulloa leads the team in goals (4) and points (4).
· Junior goalkeeper Patrick Satorie now has 14 career shutouts.
· The Buffs have won by a score line of 3-0 on consecutive Saturday matches.
·
