THE RUNDOWN
Freshman forward Caleb Centeno stole the spotlight Wednesday night, scoring both goals to lift the DBU Men's Soccer team to a 2-1 victory over UT Tyler in the Lone Star Conference opener at Patriot Soccer Field.

The win not only avenged the Patriots' season-opening 1-0 loss to the Patriots' conference rival back on September 4 in Tyler, but it also secured three crucial points in the LSC standings.

The breakthrough came in the 44th minute when Cason Berg delivered a cross into the box. Gavyn Rosales made a quick touch to Centeno, who calmly slotted home the opening goal just before halftime.

UT Tyler battled back in the 70th minute, as Jason Verhoogen leveled the match with a strike past DBU keeper Garrett McGee. But Centeno responded in emphatic fashion. In the 78th minute, the freshman rifled a right-footed shot from the top of the box that curled past a diving Nicklas Becker, restoring DBU's lead with what proved to be the decisive goal.

The Patriots' defense had to withstand late pressure from UT Tyler. With four minutes remaining, McGee produced a highlight-reel save, diving to his right to deny Oscar Sosa's attempt on goal. Then, in the final seconds, UTT nearly drew even, but Tony Ngombi's shot rattled off the right post, sealing the Patriots' dramatic 2-1 win.

THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

• The Patriots claimed their first LSC-opening win since 2022.
• DBU held a narrow 10-9 edge in total shots.
• Sophomore goalkeeper Garrett McGee recorded his fifth career victory between the posts.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
4 - Centeno now leads DBU with a team-high four goals this season.
9 - Rosales tallied his ninth career assist, tying David Balyeat (2012–14) for fifth-most in program history.
5 - Both teams finished with five shots on target.

DBU HEAD COACH JESS JOBE, CALEB CENTENO, & LUIS ZAZUETA'S POSTGAME COMMENTS
 

UP NEXT
The Patriots travel to Oklahoma City to face Oklahoma Christian on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
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