CANYON, Texas – The Buffaloes had their chances on Wednesday afternoon but couldn't find the back of the net as they battled the Dustdevils of Texas A&M International to a scoreless draw in the Lone Star Conference opener at The Pitch in Canyon.
 
The match began with WT taking the initiative in the first half. Desire Essis and Sharif Mohammed each attempted early shots, with Essis's effort at 18:51 saved by TAMIU's Emmanuel Esquivel. International responded with a corner kick in the 9th minute, but it was the Buffs that maintained pressure, earning multiple corner kicks throughout the half. The period concluded scoreless, with WT's Bryce Cottle and Esquivel both making key saves to keep the game level at 0-0.
 
The second half commenced with the Dustdevils taking early control, as Tiziano Klamler's shot in the 48th minute was saved by Cottle. Despite multiple attempts, including a shot by Abner Trevino that went wide at 50:26, TAMIU could not find the back of the net. Ben Scotford posed a threat with a shot in the 54th minute, but it was saved by Esquivel. The match remained scoreless as both teams' defenses held firm, with Cottle denying several shots from TAMIU, including two more from Klamler. As the clock ran out, the game ended in a 0-0 draw, with no breakthrough from either side despite numerous opportunities.
 
Cottle recorded a shutout with five saves over 90 minutes. Scotford led the team in shots with three, including two on goal. D'Jonte Davis managed one shot on goal during his time on the field. Essis contributed with two shots, one of which was on target.
 
Esquivel stood out in goal for Texas A&M International, recording four saves and securing a shutout over 90 minutes of play. Klamler also made a significant impact offensively, leading the team with five shots, four of which were on goal. Felipe Garcia contributed to the attack with one shot on goal, adding pressure to the opposing defense.
 
The Buffs hit the road for LSC action this weekend as they take on the Patriots of UT Tyler with kickoff set for 4:00 p.m. at Citizens 1st Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex in Tyler.