Members of both past and present Dustdevil men’s soccer teams came together for the first alumni game Saturday, March 31. The game yielded a surprising victory for the alumni team (3-1).
“I didn’t think the alumni would win, I had my doubts,” said Selina Gusman, a sophomore. “The guys pulled through and stole the game, but what can I say, they are more experienced and mature.”
The game, sponsored by Alumni Relations, brought together the experience of an older group of players, responsible for bringing titles such as 2003 Red River Athletic Conference Champions, face to face with a younger more rookie-like current Dustdevil team.
The Dustdevils started off with a lead against the alumni, 1-0, during the middle of the first-half by mid-fielder Raul Quiñones, All-Heartland Men’s Soccer Second-Team honors recipient.
That opening goal by the Devils would be their only successful point gain for the remainder of the game.
Daniel Hermosillo, an alumnus, tied up the score during the second-half of the game. Hermosillo, a two-time first-team All-Red River Athletic Conference selection and conference Offensive Player of the Year back in 2004, delivered the first goal for the alumni with a penalty kick goal at the goalie box.
The alumni would get a second goal at the last half of the second-half by Jose Macias, former second-team All-RRAC honors.
A two-minute addition was granted at the end of the second-half due to time keeping error.
The Dustdevils attempted to tie up the score but were unsuccessful after Jamaal Harmon scored a third and final goal for the alumni with less than a minute left on the clock.
The Dustdevils attempted to tie up the score but were unsuccessful after Jamaal Harmon scored a third and final goal for the alumni with less than a minute left on the clock.
The win over the current players was made possible due to a strong alumni’ offensive during the second half of the contest.
“We got off to a terrific start but the alumni deserved to win at the end,” said Karl McGettrick, current Dustdevil.
Athletic program alumnus Rigo Solorio, a senior, felt that the win was due to a strong connection between the members of the retired devils.
“(We) worked as a team, we have known each other for years off and on the field, our experience and teamwork is what got us the victory,” said Rios.
Head coach Claudio Arias, Dustdevil coach for three seasons, was asked about the game but at the time of publication had not yet responded.
Advice provided by Rios to his fellow Dustdevils, “work as a team guys, get to know each other really well, it will help out on the field.”