By MARIANA LUGO and REBECCA FALLAS/Contributors
The men’s soccer team was defeated by a late goal from the #22 ranked Midwestern State Mustangs on Oct. 9 at Citizens 1st Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex
“It’s a 90-minute game,” Head Coach Kenny Jones said. “You gotta play hard the whole time. You can’t turn it off.”
After a scoreless first half, both teams huddled and took the field.
Midwestern State scored on a penalty kick in the 66th minute. Additionally, in just the next two minutes later, the Patriots scored on a goal by senior Salomao Saboia of Brazil to even the game 1-1.
“Here’s a chance for the Patriots. A cross, there’s a shot—there’s a goal!” said the PA announcer capturing the moment.
Both teams made scoring attempts in the closing part of the second half. In the 88th minute, the Mustangs took the ball from the Patriots and scored.
“We had really good chances tonight,” Jones said. “We always want to make sure that we play our best and that we represent the university as best we can.”
It was the first loss for the Patriots in Lone Star Conference play.
A crowd gathered for the game and tailgating fun as part of International and Career Service Night.
During the tailgating, which had an international theme, fans enjoyed free food from a taco truck, poster making, prizes and free merchandise.
The Office of International Programs provided flags from different countries that were waved by fans.
“This is the first UT soccer game I’ve watched, and I’m excited,” Phuong Nguyen, a first-year student, said. “Everyone seems really into it!”
During halftime, a lively performance by the African Student Organization got the crowd’s attention.
“I think it was great to see the diversity representation,” Rebecca Fallas, a third-year student, said. “It makes it special.”
Nguyen was glad he came.
“It’s unfortunate that we lost but I did enjoy watching,” he said. “And I’ll be cheering for them at the next game.”
