ROUND ROCK, Texas — The Southwestern University Pirates men's soccer team won its first match of the season, defeating the Huston-Tillotson Rams 1-0 on the road.
Both teams struggled to generate offense in the first half with the Pirates outshooting the Rams 3-2 and a 1-0 advantage in corner kicks. Southwestern finally broke through in the second half, getting the game-winner at the 50:36 mark.
Running across the field at a full sprint, defenders Michael Glode and Garrison Van Houten tracked a long pass down the middle. Glode corralled the ball as it deflected off a retreating Huston-Tillotson player, making the quick pass down the left flank to Van Houten, who found the back of the net.
Huston-Tillotson had a slight advantage in time of possession, controlling the ball for 43:35 to the Pirates' 42:39. Southwestern controlled the tempo in the second half, however, where they controlled possession for 55 percent of the clock; spending 17:27 in attack position.
The goal was Van Houten's first of the season and second game-winner of his career. Glode's assist was the first of his career.
With the win, the Pirates improve to 1-1-1 on the season with a match against East Texas Baptist at home on Sunday, Sep. 7 at 3:00 p.m.
A look at last night's @SUPiratesMSOC game-winning goal from Garrison Van Houten: pic.twitter.com/eIzrXkWwr0
— Southwestern Pirates (@SUPirates) September 7, 2019