TYLER, TEXAS – UT Tyler men's soccer took down Oklahoma Christian 2-1 on Saturday night in soggy conditions in their biggest win of the season thus far.
 
The Patriots picked up a red card in the 59^th minute, but answered with two goals in the final 30 minutes of play to knock off the Eagles and pick up three points in the LSC standings.
 
Neither side was able to find footing in the first half, combining for four shots each and just one shot on goal each as neither side had a golden opportunity to strike. In the opening minutes of the second half, both sides seemed to find spacing as they each put up a shot on goal.
 
The games first breakthrough came in the 59^th minute, as the Eagles were able to collect a cross just outside the six yard box and bat it home in the left corner of the goal to make it 1-0 in their favor.
 
Just 12 seconds later, the Patriots picked up a red card deep in the Eagles side of the field, bringing them down to 10 men for the remainder of the contest.
 
That didn't seem to faze them however, as in the 62^nd minute Niko Vasileiou was able to pull the Patriots even. He collected a long pass from the right side before dribbling just inside the box. He was able to cut back to the top half of the box and unleash a curling strike that snuck inside the right post to make it 1-1.
 
Both teams would then settle into a little bit of a defensive affair, with the main action coming in the 73^rd minute as Luke Ryan made a diving save to his right to deflect a hard shot from the Eagles. In the 83^rd minute, Ryan again came up clutch, making another pair of huge saves to keep the game knotted at one goal each.
 
The final breakthrough came in the 89^th minute of action. A throw in from the Eagles was launched up in the air back towards the Eagles net, and Davis Mays was there to collect it on the breakaway. He calmly dropped it off to a running Danny DeMarias, who slotted it home just inside the left post to give the Patriots the huge 2-1 win.
 
Niko Vasileiou and Danny DeMarias had the goals on the evening, while Mays had the lone assist. Goalkeeper Luke Ryan made five total saves and allowed one goal.
 
The Patriots LSC Tournament hopes remain in the balance, and they will most likely need a win on Wednesday in their regular season finale to book their trip. That game will take place against Sul Ross State at 1 p.m. in Alpine, Texas.