Box Score TYLER, TEXAS – Freshman Xjavier Martinez scored in the 78^th minute to give the Patriots the win over the Eagles.
 
It was a slow start to tonight's contest, with neither team recording a shot until 15 minutes into the game. The first shot on goal came 31 minutes into the contest and it represented the best opportunity for a goal for either team.
 
The sequence started with a give and go from Michael Agyeman to Thierry Assamoi. Assamoi chipped a beautiful pass to Agyeman who took a shot just outside the goal area that was saved by the Eagles keeper. That ball rebounded out to Sören Wald, who sent a shot that was then blocked by a defender.
 
The first half was marked by good defensive presence from the Patriots and strong possession on the offensive end. UT Tyler outshot Oklahoma Christian six to three in the first half. Two of the three shots from Oklahoma Christian found their way on net, but both were saved by Mathias Eriksen.
 
In the first 20 minutes of play in the second half, play was much like the first half. Ample opportunities were few and far between until a pair of shots from Malte Andres and Sergio Sola in the 69^th minute. Andres took a shot that was saved by the Eagles keeper, then Sola took another shot that was blocked by the defense.
 
The constant offensive pressure finally forced the Oklahoma Christian defense to cave in the 78^th minute of the match. Assamoi collected a pass along the right sideline, and fed a perfect pass down to Andres just outside of the box. Andres collected it, took a dribble towards the goal line, and slid a cross that bounced right into Martinez, who slotted it home past the keeper.
 
After the goal, the Eagles would push the pace and try to score the equalizer, but the UT Tyler defense held strong, allowing just two shots in the rest of the match. The Patriots outshot the Eagles five to three in the second half, and just one of the shots from the Eagles went on goal.
 
It was a stellar game on the defensive side of the ball. The Patriots allowed just six total shots, and the Patriots keepers only had to make three saves on the evening.
 
The Patriots will next take on #8 Midwestern State on Wednesday Oct. 20 in Wichita Falls, Texas. The next home game for UT Tyler will be one week from today as Lubbock Christian will make their way to Citizens 1^st Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex for a 2 p.m. kickoff.