THE RUNDOWN
DBU secured a 2-1 win over Texas A&M International in a dramatic match that saw a penalty and a red card swing the momentum. After a scoreless first half, the Patriots took the lead in the 63rd minute, only for TAMIU to quickly equalize. A penalty kick by Peyton Voelker put DBU back on top as the Patriots held firm to claim the victory. With tonight's win and West Texas A&M's victory, DBU secures the No. 5 seed for next Saturday's LSC quarterfinals at West Texas A&M.
The match kicked off with an early opportunity for the Patriots, as Leo Larson sent a dangerous cross into the box for Gavyn Rosales in the opening four minutes. Rosales was quick to pounce on the ball, slotting it past the keeper for what appeared to be an early lead, but the goal was disallowed as he was ruled offside. Texas A&M International responded with several threatening attacks, as a few crosses into the box caused some nervous moments for DBU, but the shots were ultimately off target. The first half largely lacked significant action, with both teams struggling to create clear scoring opportunities. The Patriots did manage a few shots, but none were on frame. The highlight moment of the half came in the final seconds when Dominic Verdi launched a long cross into the box. Peyton Voelker was there to meet the ball, but his shot was blocked at the last moment by the TAMIU defense, keeping the match scoreless as the whistle blew for halftime.
The second half saw the action heat up, beginning with a yellow card issued to Texas A&M International in the 56th minute. The foul on Rosales just outside the box gave the Patriots a prime set-piece opportunity. Voelker stepped up to take the free kick, striking it with a powerful left-footer; however, TAMIU goalkeeper Nicklas Berg-Eriksen was there leaping to snatch the ball out of the air and keep the match level. The breakthrough finally came in the 63rd minute, when the Patriots opened the scoring. Hunter Dierlam intercepted a pass deep in TAMIU's half and found Rosales, who then played a precise cross back into Dierlam's path. With the goalkeeper out of position, Dierlam slotted the ball into an open net, putting DBU up 1-0.
However, the Dust Devils responded swiftly. In the 66th minute, a quick and well-executed touch from Tiziano Klamer saw him slot a right-footed shot past DBU keeper Garrett McGee, pulling TAMIU level at 1-1. The match took another dramatic turn when the Dust Devils were reduced to 10 men. Saul Fernandez was shown a red card in the 75th minute after a foul on Bruno Carrera, leaving TAMIU a man down for the final stretch of the game. As the match progressed, the Patriots were awarded a golden opportunity in the 76th minute when Voelker was fouled inside the box, drawing a penalty kick for DBU. Voelker stepped up to take the spot kick as he sent a left-footed strike to the left side of the net, while TAMIU goalkeeper Berg-Eriksen dove to his right, leaving the net wide open. The ball hit the back of the net, giving DBU a 2-1 lead and putting them in control as the match neared its conclusion. The penalty proved to be the turning point, as the Patriots now led by a goal. Despite the Dustdevils' best efforts, they could not find another equalizer, and DBU held strong to secure the 2-1 victory.
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- With tonight's win and West Texas A&M's victory, DBU secures the No. 5 seed for next Saturday's LSC quarterfinals at West Texas A&M.
- Bruno Carrera made his 67th career appearance in the match, tying him with Riley Alvey for 5th place on the program's all-time career match appearances list.
- With his goal in the 76th minute Peyton Voelker notched his 31st career goal.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
1- The Patriots had their first penalty kick attempt of the season in the 76th minute.
3- Three DBU players played all 90 minutes on the pitch including,
Jack Golden,
Evan Lupo, and
Bryan Beck.
8- Gavyn Rosales registered his 8th career assist.
17- 17 of the Patriots 22 goals have come in the second half this year.
UP NEXT
The Patriots enter the Lone Star Conference Quarterfinals as they travel to Canyon, Texas to face the No. 4 seed West Texas A&M. Game time is scheduled for November 9th with the time TBD.
