TYLER, TEXAS – The UT Tyler men's soccer program opened Lone Star Conference play with a hard-fought scoreless draw against Dallas Baptist on Wednesday night at Citizens First Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex, as the Patriots and Patriots battled to a 0-0 result.
The Patriots were tested early as DBU generated 11 shots in the opening 45 minutes, putting five on target. Niclas Becker turned away all five attempts to keep the match scoreless heading into halftime.
UT Tyler continued to find opportunities offensively, finishing the opening half with six shots. Noe Coutino recorded a pair of attempts, while Jamie Joyce and Fabricio Zuliani also tested the DBU defense.
The Patriots came out with increased pressure after halftime, creating several of their best chances of the night. Joyce continued to generate opportunities late in the match, firing a shot wide in the 72nd minute before having another attempt blocked in the 79th minute. Henrique Caputo also put a shot wide during the late offensive push.
UT Tyler earned three consecutive corner kicks between the 76th and 78th minutes, but the Patriots were unable to find the breakthrough. Azael Ochoa added another shot in the 85th minute as UT Tyler continued to search for a game-winning goal.
Becker finished the night with eight saves to record his second shutout of the season. The senior goalkeeper made three saves in the second half, including a stop on a late DBU attempt with less than two minutes remaining.
The Patriots finished with 13 shots, including two on goal, while DBU recorded 15 shots with eight on target. Both teams earned five corner kicks in the match. Joyce led the Patriots with four shots, while Martinez and Caputo each added two.
The draw gives UT Tyler a point in its first LSC match of the season as the Patriots continue their conference schedule Saturday in Canyon Texas.
