Crusaders Start Hot, Come up Just Short Against Howard Payne
| Final | 1 | 2 | T |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Dallas (1-3-1, 0-0-0) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Howard Payne University (1-3-0, 0-0-0) | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Game Statistics | University of Dallas | Howard Payne University |
|---|---|---|
| Shots (on goal) | 4 (2) | 14 (7) |
| Saves | 4 | 0 |
| Fouls | 9 | 8 |
| Corner Kicks | 2 | 2 |
| Offsides | 3 | 0 |
September 16, 2023
BROWNWOOD, Texas - The University of Dallas men's soccer team lost their non-conference match against Howard Payne University 3-2 on Friday. They fall to 1-3-1 on the season.
Coming of their first win of the season, a 2-0 victory against the University of the Ozarks this past Sunday, the Crusaders were hot out of the gates against the Yellow Jackets. They scored their second and third fastest goals of the season, taking a 2-0 lead after just six and a half minutes with goals from Alex Melgoza and Luke Wilmington, with Wilmington assisting Melgoza for the second goal.
But the shootout had only just begun as the Yellow Jackets were quick to respond. They halved the deficit in the 14th minunte, then leveled the game in the 32nd minute.
While the first half was an offensive flurry, the second half was an exercise in futility as scoring opportunities were at a premium. Howard Payne made the best of their limited opportunities, completing the comeback and scoring the go-ahead goal in the 68th minute. The best and only shot of the half for Dallas came about 10 minutes later on a free kick by Victor Salvo, but his shot was deflected wide of the goal. That was the last gasp for Dallas, as HPU held on for the win.
Up Next
The Crusaders are back in action on Sunday, Sept. 17 as they host Lyon College. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00pm, but will likely be delayed by the preceding women's soccer game against Hendrix College.