Dallas Mens Soccer Edges Hendrix, Stamper and Stauduhar Shine

The University of Dallas men’s soccer team took on the Hendrix College Warriors today, winning 1-0 after a hard fought battle in the sloppy field conditions. Playing on a field that has been pounded by heavy rainfall for straight three days, the Crusaders overcame both the puddles and some rough play on their way to the victory.

Due to the playing conditions, both teams went into the game expecting it to be a defensive battle, and that was just what it turned out to be. In the first half as both teams struggled to adjust to playing in the mud, there were not many serious assaults on either goal, and the half ended as it had started, 0-0.

Coach David Hoffmann made some changes at the half though, and the Crusaders found their stride offensively and began to put some real stress on the Hendrix goalkeeper. Senior midfielder Mike McIlhon (San Diego, CA/St. Augustine H.S) started the half playing more of a forward position, and from there he was able to get off two beautiful attempts, one which was narrowly deflected by the Hendrix keeper and another which rimmed off the top bar of the goal.

Supplemented by a defensive that completely shut down all Hendrix attacks, the Crusaders were bound to score. The inevitable goal came in the 70th minute when senior midfielder and captain Matt Stamper (Bentonville, AR/Bentonville H.S.) managed to slide into the middle of a group of Warrior defenders and rebound a shot into the corner of the net.

Leading 1-0, the Crusaders defensive continued their stifling play. Junior keeper Paul Stauduhar (Longwood, FL/Lake Mary H.S.), making his first start, played up to the challenge, stopping all Hendrix shots on goal for the nine save, shutout performance.

Next up for the 2-3 Dallas varsity is a home game on Friday, September 18 against Milikin University at 4:00pm. The UD JV squad faces Southwest Assembly of God University at home on Tuesday, September 15 at 3:00pm.