SHERMAN, Texas – The Austin College men's soccer team fell for the first time in the 2017 season, as the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor topped the 'Roos 1-0 on Tuesday night at the Pierce Memorial Soccer Complex. The 'Roos are now 2-1 overall on the year.
Both teams were aggressive offensively early and often, with the teams flying up and down the field and finding numerous scoring chances throughout the match. Austin College would get a chance to strike first when Thomas Quick drew a foul in the penalty area in the 12th minute, but his penalty kick was saved to keep it a 0-0 match.
Mary Hardin-Baylor would get a penalty opportunity of its own at the 30:07 mark of the first half but Joseph Khalaf turned away the PK to keep things scoreless. However, the Crusaders would break through with just under three minutes left before halftime when a free kick from just outside the 18 deflected off of an Austin College player and into the net for an own goal.
That would turn out to be the only tally of the evening despite both teams putting plenty of shots on the board, with UMHB holding a 20-18 edge in the match in that category. Austin College put seven shots on goal, while Mary Hardin-Baylor put eight. Khalaf and UMHB keeper Bryce Eichorn each had seven saves.
Austin College athletic teams participate as a member of the NCAA Division III and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.