Men’s Soccer Defeats California Baptist in Home Finale

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros men’s soccer team picked up an impressive 2-0 victory Sunday in the home finale against the California Baptist (CBU) Lancers in a Western Athletic Conference (WAC) match at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex.

UTRGV (4-6-4, 2-2-3 WAC) didn’t waste any time putting its offense on display, taking a trio of good shots in the first 15 minutes of action. The Vaqueros used their speed and passing to create scoring opportunities and took the 1-0 lead in the 22^nd minute. A throw-in created traffic in the box, and sophomore forward Keaviano Francis headed the ball into the net on a feed from junior defender Kimito Fritz, who got the assist.

UTRGV outshot CBU 10-1 in the first half. The lone Lancers (4-6-5, 3-3-1 WAC) shot came in the 10^th minute of action, then the Vaqueros defense and consistent offensive possession prevented the visiting squad from getting on a roll during the remaining time.

The Vaqueros continued to overpower the Lancers in the second half. They played fast, physical defense to stifle any offensive rhythm CBU tried to gather, holding the Lancers to two shots in the half and three overall.

Francis, Fritz, freshman midfielder Abel Ador, senior forward Jason Robles and others kept UTRGV’s offense pressing and in control. In the final five minutes, with the Lancers playing desperate for the equalizer, junior midfielder Cade Erickson forced a turnover that helped UTRGV put the match away. Possession flipped in favor of the Vaqueros, and McAllen native freshman forward Pablo Torre sent a long shot into the net to extend the lead to 2-0.

Francis finished the match with four shots, putting two on goal including one score. Ador had three shots as UTRGV outshot the Lancers 16-3. CBU keeper Hugo Do Rego recorded three saves.

UTRGV’s next match will be at Seattle U at 9 p.m. Thursday.