After going 1-0-1 last week, the Texas A&M International University men’s soccer team has jumped up in the rankings yet again. Last Friday the Dustdevils battled then-ranked No. 14 Northeastern State University to a 1-1 draw and followed with a 3-0 drubbing of Newman University. Tuesday afternoon the National Soccer Coaches Association of America listed TAMIU as the 19th ranked Division II program in the country.
Friday night the Dustdevils (4-0-1) will host Incarnate Word University (UIW) in a match-up of nationally ranked teams. After winning four straight games, including a 1-0 victory over then-ranked No. 2 Midwestern State, the Cardinals (4-1-0) have vaulted up to No. 8 in the national rankings. It’s the first time since switching to Division II that two nationally ranked teams will square off at Dustdevil Field.
“We are looking forward to the challenge,” said Head Coach Claudio Arias. “Our games versus UIW are always close and I don’t expect anything less for this Friday.”
TAMIU is outscoring their opponents 13-to-3, out-shooting the teams they’ve faced 38-to-13. Defensively, Emmanuel Frias has been a beast picking up three shutouts in five games, boasting a .590 goals-against average.
The Dustdevils are back home again Sunday, September 25th for another tough match versus St. Edwards University.
Michael Blake
TAMIU Sports Information Director
michael.blake@tamiu.edu