West Texas A&M (1-2) vs. Colorado Christian (0-4-1)
Date	Saturday, September 20th | 1:00 p.m.
Location	Canyon, Texas | The Pitch
Live Statistics	Link
Live Video	FloCollege (Pay-Per-View)

CANYON, Texas – West Texas A&M men's soccer returns to The Pitch on Saturday afternoon as they welcome the Cougars of Colorado Christian for an in-region battle beginning at 1:00 p.m. in Canyon.
 
SOUTHERN NAZARENE RECAP
The Buffs battled Southern Nazarene last weekend in a back-and-forth defensive struggle before the Crimson Storm found the back of the net in the 74^th minute to pick up a 1-0 victory in Canyon. The Buffs try to overcome a two-game losing skid at The Pitch.
 
A LOOK AT THE COUGARS
Colorado Christian enters the weekend with an overall record of 0-4-1 including an 0-3 record during road games so far this season. The Cougars are coming off a 1-0 loss at Oklahoma Panhandle State on Thursday night that extended their losing streak to four matches.
 
Lucas Peruzo leads the way offensively for the Cougars as the São Paulo, Brazil native has scored three goals on 12 shots, the senior forward has registered six points during 329 minutes with five of his shots landing on goal. 
 
CCU HEAD COACH CALEB COLE
Caleb Cole is in his first season as the Director of Soccer at Colorado Christian, Cole led the CCU women's program to an appearance in the RMAC Tournament in 2024. ole came to the Cougars program after playing professional soccer and coached at Westmont College (Calif.). As a player, he was a member of the Chattanooga Football Club. Cole was a three-time All-American during his collegiate career at Gordon College (Mass.).
 
THE SERIES
Saturday afternoon marks the first ever meeting on the pitch between West Texas A&M and Colorado Christian.
 
WT HEAD COACH BUTCH LAUFFER
Butch Lauffer is now in his 35th season as head men's soccer coach at West Texas A&M. Lauffer is the longest tenured head coach in WT history in a storied career dating back to 1991. Lauffer reached the 500-win plateau on Sept. 30, 2017 with a dominating 13-2 win over UT Permian Basin. 
 
During his tenure, Lauffer coached the men to 31 consecutive non-losing seasons from 1993 to 2023 and the women to 12-plus victories in 12 seasons. Lauffer has recorded a 382-178-59 (.665) record at the helm of the Buffs with a 572-245-75 (.683) overall record at WT.
 
LSC PRESEASON POLL
West Texas A&M was picked fifth in the Lone Star Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll.
 
Midwestern State claimed 16 of the possible 33 first place votes for 338 points to sit atop of the poll followed by St. Mary's (13 first place, 331), St. Edward's (three first place, 297), DBU (241), West Texas A&M (239), Lubbock Christian (169), UT Tyler (161), Oklahoma Christian (134), UT Dallas (104), Texas A&M International (one first place, 86) and Sul Ross State (78).
 
Arthur Souza of St. Edward's was tabbed the league's Preseason Player of the Year while Luke Mulkey and Johnny Thurbin from St. Mary's claimed Defensive and Goalkeeper Preseason Honors.
 
LIVE COVERAGE
Thursday night's contest will be broadcasted on FloCollege. The LSC and FloSports reached a historic agreement in August of 2024 for the largest streaming rights deal in NCAA Division II history. Fans have two different subscription options: $19.99 per month or $107.88 per year ($8.99/month). Additionally, those who use an .edu email address from an LSC member institution will be able to sign up at a discounted subscription price of $9.99 per month or $71.88 per year ($5.99/month).