FORT WORTH, TX - Texas Wesleyan Men's Soccer (1-7), hampered by injuries and a short roster Thursday night at Martin Field, got an early goal to ignite the hometown fans but ultimately fell short against Houston-Victoria, who continued its undefeated season, improving to 7-0. The Jaguars are one of three teams in the NAIA unbeaten without a tie in at least seven games played.

The goal, scored by Claudio Barraza in the 13th minute, was the first goal the Jaguars have given up since September 6, four games ago against No. 23 University of Science and Arts-Oklahoma, who Houston-Victoria took out, 3-2. Barraza found the back of the net on an aggressive whack from the right side. The ball darted into the back, left corner of the net to erase Houston-Victoria's early one-goal lead achieved in the 7th minute. The Rams were without one of their top defensive backs, Matheus Macedo, but the defense did their best trying to stop a relentless Jaguar attack.

Houston-Victoria managed 26 shots - 11 on goal - and eventually built up a lead in the 39th minute. The Jaguars added a third goal in the 60th minute, assisted by former Texas Wesleyan player Diego Alvarez. Down the stretch, the Rams moved Claudio Barraza into more of a midfield creator role as the offense tried to use different weapons up top to create new opportunities. In a short-look, the strategy worked, getting the Rams three of their six shots in the game in the final 10 minutes of action.

Rams goalkeeper Bastian Blumenberg recorded eight more saves, now with 46 in eight games. 

The officials pulled four yellow cards on the Rams, and blew the greedy Jaguars offside an alarming 11 times.

TXWES will host Florida International in its final non-conference game of the season.

AROUND THE SOONER ATHLETIC CONFERENCE:

• Southwest Assemblies of God will begin conference play against the Rams (at Martin Field September 24) as the only team still winless in conference, at 0-4-1 and will host Houston-Victoria Saturday. 
• Wayland Baptist is one of 19 unbeaten teams in the NAIA at 4-0-1. The Pioneers also come to Martin Field, October 29.
• Mid-America Christian is the lone SAC team ranked in the most recent NAIA Top 25 Coaches' Poll, released September 18. MACU is off to a 5-1 start. The Evangels polled at No. 24.
• The Rams have the best chance in the conference to start fast, with winless SAGU and 2-4 Southwestern Christian as the squads first two confernce opponents.