THE RUNDOWN
The DBU Men's Soccer fell short this afternoon on Patriot Field against Texas A&M – International in what was another tightly contested game by a score of 2-0.

On a beautiful afternoon on University Hill, the Patriots came out in the game looking to continue where they left off with Oklahoma Christian University. DBU continued to fly around on the field and look to keep possession of the ball and build the play up the field. The Patriots saw several opportunities early on in the game that could have turned into dangerous chances; however, DBU was just short of one final pass or touch to get a clean look on frame. The Dustdevils would get on the board first in the 23rd minute of the match after Dylan Krufal would get his head on the end of a set piece and International would see that lead into the half.

In the second half, the Patriots came out flying and had several quick chances on frame. Jide Adesanya would connect to the end of a Mason Wallak cross that would force the Dustdevils goalie into making a tough save to keep International in the lead. DBU would continue to shut down the midfield of International and disrupt a team who is historically good in possession. DBU limited the Dustdevils to playing their desired style and were able to break up play all afternoon. Going forward, the Patriots were able to get after International and did good at pushing into the final third; unfortunately, DBU wasn't able to get one in the back of the net and would ultimately fall 2-0.

Although this DBU side has had some unlucky bounces and fell in some close games this year, they more than competing in what is the toughest conference in the country. The Patriots style of play in 2021 is reenergized and they are going after every team they are playing. DBU will look to keep their heads high, stay confident in their play, and continue to grow off of what they have been building here in Dallas.

THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
  - Sophomore Alex Bustamante is a force to be reckoned with. The 5'7 Fort Worth native blows up every single challenge he gets into defensively. Bustamante is a calm but fierce competitor who rarely loses and tackle he gets into. Going forward as an outside back, Bustamante does an excellent job at keeping the ball on his foot in tight spaces and is always looking to contribute to the DBU attack.
 
 - In a DBU side that is currently filled with injuries, freshman Bruno Correa saw significant minutes today for his first action of the 2021 season. Correa is one of the few left-footed players on this DBU roster and had several chances on the left side of the field pushing forward from his outside back spot. Correa had a good showing today and will be someone Coach Dutchik and his staff will look to continue to rotate into this lineup going forward.
 
 - Emmanuel Loni has played the last several games out of his natural midfield spot but looks just at home. Loni played on the right side of the front three today and was excellent going at his defender. The Junior is very skillful and creative on the ball and was able to cause trouble for DBU going forward, sparking several offense opportunities for the Patriots.
 
COACH CHIP DUTCHIK ON THE PATRIOTS PERFORMANCE
"The boys competed all day long today and disrupted the way that International wanted to play. We outperformed them in almost every category outside of goals. Going forward we need to be more clinical in our chances and clean a few things up around the field. Proud of the boys for their effort all game long."

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
6 – DBU's No. 6 Matthew Hayes was able to see significant action today for DBU after nursing an injury. Hayes came is a holding mid that is able to sit back and disrupt play which allows his attacking partners a little more freedom to create and go forward. Hayes is a strong challenger of the ball and will look to continue to be an enforcer in the middle of the park for DBU going forward.

5 – The Patriots are versatile up front, having five different goal scorers on the year. Although DBU was unlucky to get on the board today, these five and the other attackers from DBU will look to find the back of the net many more times this season.

8 – DBU has eight players who have played over 250 minutes so far this season, out of a possibly 360. These eight players, as well as the rest on the DBU roster, will continue to grow their chemistry and solidify what DBU is looking to build here.

UP NEXT
DBU travels up to Wichita Falls for a midweek contest with Midwestern State University. Kickoff is scheduled for Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.