Men's Soccer Battles Hard in Season Finale Loss to #17 Colorado

October 29, 2023

IRVING, Texas - The University of Dallas men's soccer team hosted #17 ranked Colorado College for their final match of the 2023 season, falling the Tigers 3-0.

The Crusaders defended with everything they had against the formidable Tigers, and for much of the match they were quite successful in their efforts.  Perhaps their slide tackles were given the extra foot or two of distance they needed to make some crucial tackles thanks to the rainy conditions, and perhaps the Tigers weren't quite on their game trying to bend a slippery, slick ball to their whims.  Whatever the case, the Crusaders defended staunchly and formed a nearly impenetrable wall in front of goal.

Jaiden Languilli nearly turned the match on its head barely 17 minutes into the game as he took advantage of some careless play out of the back by the Tigers.  He cut out a poor pass just inside the Tigers half and was immediately on a 2-on-1 breakaway with Andre Brkic.  Languilli was on the end of the counter and had an open look from just inside the box, but Jasper Broad made the save for Colorado to keep it 0-0.

Though it seemed for a while as the second half wore on that the Crusaders could fight this match to a goalless draw, the dam finally burst in the 71st minute as Connor Webster scored from the edge of the box to make it 1-0 Colorado.  Not even two minutes later, the Tigers doubled their lead before finally putting the nail in the coffin with a third goal in the 87th minute.  

The Crusaders finish the season with a 1-12-3 overall record and an 0-7-1 conference record.