CANYON, Texas – Dylan Watson's first collegiate goal in the 75^th minute proved to be the difference in the 1-0 victory over Dallas Baptist for the West Texas A&M men's soccer team. The Buffs earned their first win at The Pitch this season as they moved to 4-2-7 on the season and 2-0-3 in the Lone Star Conference. With the loss, the Patriots falls to 4-5-4 overall and 3-2 in the LSC.
 
The Buffs turned up the intensity from the opening kickoff, marching down the field to force a corner kick in the opening minute. Despite the early corner, WT didn't register its first shot until the 12 and half minute mark. A minute and a half later, Chris Palomino placed a shot on frame into the arms of DBU goalkeeper Alexander Knepper. The Buffs continued to press the Patriots' defense following the shot on goal. At the end of the first half, WT held a 9-4 advantage in shots without allowing a shot on goal by DBU.
 
The Buffs and Patriots' pace of play from the first half carried over into the second. Kenny Brown looked to have given WT the game's first lead, but Knepper produced another save. DBU seemed to gain an upper hand in the match after a red card on the Buffs in the 74^th minute. WT didn't allow the booking to slow its momentum as the Buffs surged up the field. Denis Herrera started WT's scoring play after flicking a ball to Sam Scarth near the touchline. Scarth took a settling touch before crossing the ball across the goal to Watson who sliced it past Knepper for the go-ahead goal. With a one-goal advantage, the Buffs retreated to defense to preserve the win.
 
The WT defense held DBU to eight shots, allowing just one on goal, as Asaf Kristal picked up his third consecutive clean sheet.
 
The Buffs turn their sights to a road matchup with UT Permian Basin on Wednesday. Action between WT and UTPB starts at 7 p.m. in Odessa.