TYLER, TEXAS – The Patriots will head to Laredo, Texas on Saturday evening as they take on Texas A&M International in a critical Lone Star Conference matchup.
 
SETTING THE STAGE
 
The Patriots and the Dustdevils are currently locked in a tie with DBU for fifth place in the Lone Star Conference standings. The top six teams will make it to the Lone Star Conference tournament and have a chance at the title. A win for the Patriots would go a long way towards securing one of those spots.
 
SERIES HISTORY
 
The Patriots hold a 3-0 record against the Dustdevils in series history. Most recently the two teams played on September 25 of this season. UT Tyler took home a 4-3 victory in a wild contest that featured five second half goals in the span of 25 minutes.
 
THE SCOUTING REPORT
 
Texas A&M International currently sits with a 5-9-1 overall record and a 2-4 record in conference play. The Dustdevils are being outscored by their opponents 21-25 on the season and average 1.4 goals per game. They average 10.9 shots per game and their shots on goal percentage is 44.5%.
 
Leading the way for the Dustdevils on the offensive side of the ball is senior Kristian Colaci. Colaci has 11 goals on 55 total shots this season. He also leads the team in points with 24 on the year.

The Dustdevils are led by head coach Claudio Arias. Arias has a career record of 208-169-35 in his 23 seasons. At Texas A&M International, he has a record of 155-127-30. Most recently, Arias led the Dustdevils to a second place finish in the Lone Star Conference in 2019 and a trip to the national tournament. 
 
AROUND THE LONE STAR CONFERENCE
 
#7 Midwestern State currently holds the top spot in the LSC standings with 15 points. They are followed by #24 St. Mary's and #25 West Texas A&M in second. Lubbock Christian holds fourth with 10 points. The Patriots are tied for fifth with DBU and Texas A&M International.
 
Players of the week for the conference: Offensive- Julian Barajas, Midwestern State; Defensive- Lewis Wilson, St. Mary's; Goalkeeper- Marc-Antoine Huzen, Midwestern State.
 
THE FUTURE IN THEIR HANDS
 
With just three games to go in the season, the Patriots hold their future in their own hands. The last three contests will be against teams at or above them in the conference standings. A few good results would see UT Tyler advance into the LSC tournament for a second consecutive season.
 
NEXT WEEK'S ACTION
 
The Patriots will have their final two regular season contests next week. On Wednesday, the Patriots will host #24 St. Mary's in their final home contest and the annual Blue Out game. That game will kick off at 5 p.m. at Citizens 1^st Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex.
 
On Saturday, UT Tyler will make the short trip to Dallas Baptist for the final contest of the regular season. It could be one to watch as both teams are currently tied for fifth in the Lone Star Conference standings. That game will start at 7 p.m.