Box Score
FORT WORTH, TX: The Texas Wesleyan University men’s soccer team (2-8, 1-1 RRAC) suffered a 3-1 loss against Texas College (3-2-2, 2-0) in Red River Athletic Conference action on Saturday.
The Rams continued a trend of starting well, but the Steers successfully wore down Texas Wesleyan mentally and pulled away late.
In the 21st minute, Ricardo Aguilera took a throw-in 15 yards from the corner on the left side. The throw reached the near post where Thiago Borges headed the ball across the goal. Marcus Harris then headed the ball into the back of the net to put the Rams on top 1-0.
Just before the half, Texas College’s Jose Bocanegra scored the equalizer, and the game was tied at the break.
Just 2:48 into the second half, Roberto Martinez took a free kick from 25 yards out and found the net to put the Steers on top. The Rams got some help in the 65th minute when Texas College was given their third caution in a 12 minute period. This time is was a red card to Arturo Rubio giving Texas Wesleyan a man advantage.
The Rams would lose that advantage less than ten minutes later when T.J. Romaguera was shown a red card and the two teams played ten vs. ten. The game took another swing in the 78th minute when Aguilera was brought down in the box. A Texas College player was attended to on the field, and Ivan Kovacevic was allowed to take the ensuing penalty kick before Texas College Coach Demetrio Hernandez, trainers, and the injured player had left the field. Richard Gordon stopped Kovacevic’s PK attempt and the game played on.
In the 84th minute, Texas College put the game away when Francisco DeAnda scored on a free kick.
The two teams were whistled for 46 fouls (23 for TC, 13 for TWU) and ten cards (5 for TC, 5 for TWU). The Rams outshot the Steers 20-9 and led 11-4 in shots on goal.
Head Coach Gaspar Martinez spoke after the contest about the penalties. “We gave up some soft goals today, and they capitalized on our mistakes. I am upset about our off the ball actions more than the loss. They play a style of soccer that can be frustrating to play against, and tonight it worked on us. They made big plays when needed and we didn’t.”
The Rams will return to action on Thursday, when they travel to San Antonio, TX, to take on Our Lady of the Lake University. That game is scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. start.
