Wichita Falls, Texas – In a heartbreaking turn of events, Texas A&M International University fell late Friday night in double overtime versus the 12th ranked team in the country. The Dustdevils battled the Mustangs for 103 scoreless minutes before Ryan Spence scored the golden goal in the waning minutes of the match.
“We played extremely well,” said Head Coach Claudio Arias. “We just needed a bit more luck tonight. We could have finished the game 30 seconds before they scored the game winner. We just didn’t get the bounces tonight, but I’m very proud of my guys for their effort.”
The Dustdevils were outshot 18-9 by Midwestern but were kept in the game thanks to a brilliant game by keeper Jesus Cisneros. The sophomore from Dallas recorded eight saves on nine shots on goal.
The Dustdevils appeared to have victory in their grasp on a corner kick early in the second overtime. Joan Vallejo sent a header screaming towards the net off a corner kick from Christian Salazar. An incredible sprawling save by Midwestern keeper Michael Wood sent the Mustangs on the game winning counter-attack. From just outside the Box, Spence received the feed from midfielder Nathan Fitzgerald and fired a shot past Cisneros.
The Dustdevils fall to 5-2-1 on the season, but remain atop the Heartland Conference with a perfect 3-0 record. The team will continue their road trip in Dallas, taking on Delta State October 6th.
(TAMIU Sports Information Director, Michael Blake may be contacted at michael.blake@tamiu.edu)