DBU (0-1-0) vs WEST TEXAS A&M (2-1-0)
March 13 | 1:00 p.m. | Canyon, TX | The Pitch

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COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF
The DBU Men's Soccer looks to bounce back from their season opener as they travel out to Canyon, Texas to face off with West Texas A&M on Saturday, March 13th at 1:00 p.m.

The Patriots opened the season in a tightly contested match with the University of Texas – Permian Basin that ended with UTPB taking the game 3-2. DBU came out of the gate strong in the first game of year and played with a lot of energy and chemistry. UTPP was able to get on the board early in the game; however, DBU was able to compose themselves and respond quickly. Junior transfer Alan Acuna would tie the game in the 25th minute of the match with an excellent free kick over the wall that would beat the keeper at the near post. UTPB would find the back of net right before halftime and take a 2-1 lead into the break.
 
DBU would start the second half fast when Jide Adesanya would find the back of the net in the 52nd minute to level the game up at two apiece. Throughout the second half, DBU was all over UTPB with relentless pressure and solid challenges in all areas of the field. The midfield for DBU did an excellent job of staying composed on the ball and helping build the attack up the field. The forwards up front to the Patriots were going at the backline for UTPB all night long, creating several solid chances. Alex Bustamante was solid on the wing for the Patriots and Emmanuel Loni did a wonderful job of bringing the ball into his feet and combining with his runners off of the ball.
 
The center back dup of Jonathan Leach and Payton Franklin had an excellent start to the season. The pair did a solid job staying tight to the forwards of UTPB and were strong in their challenges. Their positional awareness also aided them in intercepting several balls and shutting down several chances.
 
UTPB would get an unfortunate goal late in the game that would see them escape Dallas with the 3-2 win.

PATRIOT STORYLINES
 - DBU Junior Jonathan Leach is looking to make a strong impact throughout this season for the Patriots. Leach, a Junior from McKinney, Texas has slid into the center back role for the Patriots, a move which saw him leave the midfield. Although he has not played there long, Leach has fit in well in the heart of the defense and puts in strong challenges, covers ground quickly, and is a vocal leader.

 - DBU Head Coach Chip Dutchik is in his sixth season in charge of the Patriots. Dutchik looks to continue to grow the DBU program and build off of success such as leading the Patriots to their first and second highest win totals in program history. Dutchik came to DBU after coaching at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, where he was the Head Women's Soccer Coach from 2009-2014.  Following a 12-year absence from the NCAA Tournament, Dutchik helped guide Lynn to the postseason and a trip to the Sweet 16 in 2011.

 - The offense for the Patriots is looking to make noise in the Lone Star Conference this year. The Patriots have several new faces up front, as well as additions in players who were either injured or redshirted last year. The two goals that the Patriots scored in the season opener versus UTPB were the most they have scored in an opening game since their 2014 campaign.

 - Junior transfer Emmanuel Loni is in his second year at DBU and is first in action. Loni was required to redshirt last season due to NCAA Transfer Rules; however, Loni is working to make an instant impact in his first year with DBU. A transfer from Lake Erie College, the Rwanda native is a very technically player who Chip Dutchik has moved from the 10 spot in the midfield to the 9 role up front. Loni will look to bring the ball into his feet and create from the front line throughout the season.

SCOUTING WEST TEXAS A&M
- The Buffs finished the 2019 campaign with a 8-7-2 record, which saw them end the LSC season in 6th place.

- West Texas A&M returns 2019 Second-Team All Lone Star Conference selection in Stefan Andjelic. Andjelic ended the 2019 season with 4 goals on the year, second on the team.

- Giancarlo Saldana is the leading goal scorer for the Buffs on the season. Saldana has two goals and one assist. The Fort Worth native earned LSC Offensive Player of The Week honors for his role in the upset over St. Mary's University.

- West Texas A&M Head Coach Butch Lauffer is in his 29th season in charge of the Buffs. He is the longest tenured head coach in West Texas A&M History. During his time in Canyon, the Buffs have seen 27 consecutive non-losing seasons with an overall record of 335-138-37 record.

SERIES HISTORY
The Patriots are 0-7 all-time against the Buffs and will look to secure the first win in program history against West Texas A&M on Saturday.

UP NEXT
DBU returns home to University Hill to host Oklahoma Christian University in a matchup set for Tuesday, March 16th. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.