Crusaders Shutout Tigers in Season Opener
Irving, TX - The University of Dallas men's soccer team started the 2021 campaign with a 2-0 shutout win against the Tigers of East Texas Baptist University. After a scoreless first half, Dallas scored two second half goals off the foot of Ben Utz (Atlanta, Ga.) to take the victory.
The two teams played evenly in the first half with ETBU having momentum in the opening minutes of the game. The momentum then shifted toward Dallas, which nearly culminated in Utz's first goal of the year, but the goal was called back due to offside.
After one half, Dallas and ETBU were even on shots at 8-8, but the Tigers were more accurate with 4-0 for shots on goal. Both teams were even on corner kicks, 3-3, and the Tigers were whistled for more fouls, 4-2.
In the second half, Dallas finally struck. In the 76th minute, Chase Reynolds (Southlake, Texas) carried the ball up the left side then crossed the ball into the box through a pile of players to find Utz who netted the ball to put UD up 1-0.
As time was winding down, the Crusaders added one more goal for insurance. After stopping a Tiger attack, goalkeeper Hayden Hampton (Roanoke, Texas) punted the ball down the field over the defense and, off a pair of bounces, found Utz. Utz took the ball to goal, and beat ETBU goalkeeper Gunner Barry to seal the game with an 89th minute goal.
UD ended the game with a 18-14 shot advantage, but the Tigers still led in shots on goal at 6-4. The Tigers also led the game in corner kicks, 4-3, and fouls 13-4.
Karson Pannell (Southlake, Texas) had a game high six shots for Dallas. Utz had four shots and tied for the game high in shots on goal with two.
In addition to his assist, Hampton recorded his first clean sheet with six saves in his collegiate debut.
Brady McNamara (San Antonio, Texas) was given his first yellow card of the season, which he picked up in the 78th minute.
ETBU's Justus Crow and Juan Cairo tied for the team high in shots with three apiece, and Cairo also tied for the game high for shots on goal with two.
With the win Dallas goes to 1-0-0 (0-0-0), and with the loss ETBU drops to 0-1-1 (0-0-0). UD will continue their season with a six game road trip which will take them to the end of September. The Crusades will play on Monday, September 6 against LeTourneau University before traveling to Duluth, Minn. to play The College of St. Scholastica on Friday, September 10 and Coe College on Sunday, September 12. Games times will be at 7:00 PM on Monday, 4:00 PM on Friday, and 2:00 PM on Sunday. All times are Central.