CANYON, Texas – The Buffaloes of West Texas A&M surrendered a goal in the 14^th minute as they couldn't find an answer in the regular season finale at Lewis-Chen Family Field, falling the to the St. Edward's Hilltoppers 1-0 in Lone Star Conference action in Austin, Texas.
 
The match commenced with WT Arthur Macri launching the first shot in the opening minute, missing the target. St. Edward's took control as Arthur Souza scored in the 14th minute, assisted by Christian Mezas and Shunji Watanabe, putting the home team ahead 1-0. The Buffs' Zach Kos was active in goal, making several key saves, including one against Matthew Devaney at the 12th minute and another against Souza at the 20th minute. Despite the Buffs' attempts to equalize, including multiple shots by Macri and a close effort from Delahmu Reeves, the first half ended with St. Edward's leading 1-0.
 
St. Edward's maintained their 1-0 lead throughout the second half against the Buffs. The home team saw multiple scoring opportunities, including a shot by Bartek Zabek that hit the left woodwork in the 49th minute. The Buffs put pressure on St. Edward's goalkeeper Kaleo Francis, with D'Jonte Davis recording several attempts, notably in the 54th and 86th minutes, but Francis managed to save each one. Despite aggressive play from both sides, including yellow cards for Sol Bercu and Antonio De La Torre from WT, neither side managed to alter the scoreline by the half's conclusion.
 
Kos recorded five saves in the match, providing a strong defensive presence. Macri led the team with four shots, applying consistent offensive pressure. Davis also contributed four shots, with three of those on target, enhancing the attack.
 
Souza scored the game-winning goal for St. Edward's, contributing one of the team's three shots on goal. Watanabe provided an assist, marking his only point in the match. Goalkeeper Francis secured the shutout with four saves, facing 13 shots while keeping the opponents scoreless.
 
The Buffs will be the sixth seed in the Lone Star Conference Championships beginning on Saturday with the quarterfinal round, WT will battle Lubbock Christian at the LCU Soccer & Track Facility with a start time to be determined. Stay tunes to GoBuffsGo.com for more information.