AUSTIN, Texas – The West Texas A&M men's soccer team played to a 1-1 draw with the St. Edward's Hilltoppers in its final non-conference match. The Buffs moved to 3-3-2 overall on the season with the draw while the Hilltoppers moved to 0-5-2.
 
The game's first shot didn't come until the 17th minute when Matteo Landais sent a corner into the box. As the ball came into the box, Theo Bennetts made a run to the back post where he perfectly executed a header and placed the ball in the back of the net. St. Edward's looked to tie the game in the 25^th minute as a shot came outside the box. The Hilltoppers' attempt went straight into the awaiting hands of WT goalkeeper Asaf Kristal who cleared the danger and put the Buffs back on the attack.
 
Bennetts made a crucial defensive stand in the 28^th minute when St. Edward's formulated an attack past the Buffs' back line. The junior defender stepped in before the Hilltoppers' attacker could get off a shot. After the ensuing corner kick, Chris Palomino found open space in the attacking third. As Palomino ripped a shot, a St. Edward's defender caught up to block the shot. The Hilltoppers then tied the game in the 30^th minute as a throw in bounced around inside the WT box where Irvin Abarca tapped the ball into the back of the net. As the scoring slowed down, the pace of play did as well. After 45 minutes of play, the game went to halftime tied at one.
 
Second half action started in a similar form to the first half with neither team gaining a definitive advantage. With both teams applying defensive pressure, shots were scarce during the opening minutes. With 30 minutes to play, Sam Scarth played a ball over the top of the Hilltoppers' back line for Landais. Landais got a foot on it, but had his next touch cleared away for a corner. In the 69^th minute, Scarth created a scoring chance for the Buffs. Scarth maneuvered his way through the Hilltopper defense as he approached goal. As the defense closed in Scarth, chipped a shot over the St. Edward's goalkeeper but watched a defender clear the ball off the goal line. Following Scarth's scoring opportunity, WT stayed on the attack but couldn't force a mistake by the Hilltoppers. With eight minutes to play, the Hilltoppers received a red card, allowing a man advantage for the Buffs. WT couldn't capitalize on the opportunity as time expired in the game.
 
WT returns to The Pitch on Wednesday, Oct. 4 for its Lone Star Conference opener against Eastern New Mexico. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.