| Match Info |
Opponent Info |
Texas College vs. UT Tyler
TC: 0-0, 0-0 RRAC | UTT: 0-0, 0-0 LSC
Saturday, Aug. 27th | 7:00 P.M.
Citizens 1st Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex | Tyler, Texas |
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ROSTER |
SCHEDULE |
LOOKING BACK
The Patriots qualified for the Lone Star Conference tournament for the second consecutive year in 2021 after playing to a record of 8-7-1 during the regular season. The season, and their spot in the tournament, came down to the wire in a win-and-you're-in scenario against DBU on the final day of the regular season. After battling for 90 minutes to a 2-2 draw,
Thierry Assamoi got his head on the ball inside the box and was able to slot it home to give the Patriots the golden goal. That put the Patriots into the LSC tournament, but unfortunately they would fall in the first round to St. Mary's.
WHAT COACH JONES IS SAYING
On the state of his team heading into the 2022 season: "We're just growing, trying to get everyone on the same page. I like where we are now that we have a pretty good assessment of what we need to do, so it's just going for it at this point."
On leaning on experienced players: "There's a reason why they are still here. Their character and energy, just they're compelled to do the right things and compete at a high level. They are great models for our guys, and we are going to lean on those guys to provide guidance on and off the field."
On what the team needs to do to take the next step in the LSC: "Getting everyone on the same page. Individually the qualities are there, it's just getting everyone on the same page. We want our response when things are going great and when things are going not so great to be consistent. Just looking at all of the details and making sure we are aware of those details.
A FAMILIAR FOE
UT Tyler and Texas College will face off yet again as the two programs have battled five previous times. All of those matchups have come since 2014, and the Patriots have a 4-1 advantage in those contests. UT Tyler is currently riding a three game winning streak in the matchup, with all three of those games being 3-0 victories. Last season, the Patriots ran out to a quick 3-0 lead through 25 minutes of action before holding the Steers scoreless.
STARTING AT HOME
The Patriots will play five of their first six games on their home field, and 10 of their 16 total matches will take place at home. UT Tyler held a strong 6-1 record last year on their home field which was the second highest mark amongst all LSC opponents. Over the last two seasons, the Patriots are 8-4 inside the Citizens 1
st Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex.
YEAR NUMBER 21
This will be the 21
st year of competition for UT Tyler men's soccer. It is a program that has reached great heights throughout its history. In just their second year as a program, the Patriots won the USCAA National Championship while maintaining provisional status with the NCAA. UT Tyler has collected eight conference championships in their history and have appeared in the NCAA tournament four different times.
COACH JONES
Head coach
Kenny Jones will be entering his 21
st year with UT Tyler and has served as the only head coach in UT Tyler men's soccer history. Previous to his work with the Patriots, Coach Jones was the head coach of Dallas for three seasons. He holds a career record of 246-114-46 over his 23 seasons and is 224-86-42 as head coach of the Patriots.
PRESEASON RANKINGS
UT Tyler was selected as the number five team in the LSC Preseason Poll that was released last week by the Lone Star Conference. The Patriots accumulated 153 total points in the poll. Leading the poll is Midwestern State, and they are followed by West Texas A&M, St. Mary's, and Lubbock Christian.
TALENT RETURNING
Following last season's run to the LSC tournament, the Patriots will return their top goal scorer, assist leader, and starting goalkeeper. Of those three players, all three started all 17 games from last season.
Sergio Sola returns as the top scorer after netting five goals and 11 total points.
Shane Popieluch returns as the assist leader after totaling five assists and seven points.
Mathias Eriksen returns in net after posting 60 saves and four shutouts over the season.
RECORD WATCH
Popieluch heads into this season ranked 10
th all time in program history in assists per game. He has totaled 7 assists over his 42 games played in his career. Eriksen has totaled 90 saves in 37 contests, good enough to rank sixth all time in program history.
