LAREDO, TEXAS – UT Tyler men's soccer earned a 2-0 win over Texas A&M International on Wednesday night thanks to goals in each half as they remain firmly in the LSC Tournament race.
 
The Patriots raced their way to a goal in the first few minutes of action as they were on the front foot from kickoff. A free kick was earned just outside the box on the left side, and Danny DeMarias stepped to the spot. He responded to the moment with a shot that skipped off the wall of defenders, and found its way into the net off the funky bounce to make it 1-0.
 
Goalkeeper Luke Ryan made a pair of saves in the following 15 minutes of play, and both Julian Smith and Keaton Hartman both had near misses as their shots were saved by the Dustdevils keeper. Ryan made another pair of saves to close out the half and ensure the Patriots remained out in front 1-0.
 
In the second half, the Patriots nearly got off to the same start, as Bryan Rivas-Guzman hit the woodwork seven minutes into the half, and Oscar Sosa struck a shot that would be saved by the Dustdevils keeper just seconds later.
 
In the 64^th minute, Niko Vasileiou found his way to a ball and dribbled it down the right side. He swung in a cross that was nudged by the keeper, but ultimately found its way to Rivas-Guzman who was able to send it on goal and into the back of the net for a 2-0 Patriots lead.
 
The Patriots would allow just one more shot from the Dustdevils throughout the remainder of the game, preserving their 2-0 win and three crucial points for the LSC standings.
 
For the game, the Patriots held a 19-11 shots advantage, and an 11-6 shots on goal advantage. Luke Ryan made six saves in the contest, and Vasileiou recorded the games only assist.
 
UT Tyler returns to action on Saturday at 5 p.m., as they welcome St. Edward's to Citizens 1^st Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex.