THE RUNDOWN
A hat trick from
Erik Oliveira powered the DBU Men's Soccer team to a 4–1 victory over West Texas A&M on Saturday afternoon at The Pitch in Canyon, Texas. With the win, the Patriots improved to 2–2–1 in Lone Star Conference play, picking up three crucial points on the road.
DBU wasted no time setting the tone.
Caleb Centeno opened the scoring in the 26th minute, and just five minutes later, Oliveira found the back of the net to give the Patriots a quick 2–0 advantage.
The Buffs answered in the 40th minute when Felix Casas capitalized on a scoring chance to trim the Patriot lead to one heading into halftime.
After the break, it was all DBU over the final 45 minutes. Oliveira took over, striking twice in a four-minute span—netting goals in the 53rd and 57th minutes—to complete his hat trick and put the match out of reach. The Patriots' defense clamped down from there, allowing just five shots in the second half to secure their fifth win of the season.
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Oliveira becomes the first Patriot to record a hat trick since Riley Alvey accomplished the feat on September 5, 2015, versus Southwest Baptist.
- DBU has now won three straight matches against West Texas A&M.
- Sean Mattivi earned his first career win in goal as a Patriot.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
5 - Centeno tallied his fifth goal of the season, moving within one of tying Ethan Martinez's program record for most goals by a freshman in a single season.
68 - Senior
Leo Larson appeared in his 68th career match, tying him with
Peyton Voelker (2021–2024) for the sixth-most appearances in program history.
2 -
Zachary Trimming notched two assists in the win.
UP NEXT
The Patriots return home to Patriot Soccer Field on Wednesday to take on Sul Ross State. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
