These are never easy to write. Its funny, if this is all character building, we have plenty of it. A tough result. UT-Dallas is a very capable and quality team that is going to continue winning lots of games this fall. They have already won several good ones, including a 2-0 win over American Southwest Conference favorite UT-Tyler and our next opponent, Colorado College, also 2-0.
We can out swinging in this one with our best start to date. We defended well from the beginning and attacked in numbers to start. Just roughly over 10 minutes in John Martinez beat a couple defenders in the box and was eventually taken down and awarded a penalty...which he immediately stepped up to take. Funny, his rule is if your the one that gets fouled, you don't take the PK...to much emotion to finish properly. But I didn't call him off as I knew he would finish. His desire over the past few games has been phenomenal. AC up 1-0.
Unfortunately, bit of a let down just over 5 minutes later had UTD level the score at 1-1. Regardless, we still continued to play throughout the half and by a piece of Alex Dawson magic, we would go into the break up 2-1. Alex, a very aware striker, found UTD's goalkeeper off his line and found the back of the net from around 40 yards out.
At the break we discussed our options and knew that our best option was to continue to play them straight-up. We did and were on our heels the first part of the second half, however we were countering very well and created some very good opportunities. Unfortunately nearly 20 minutes into the half we gave up a backside goal that leveled the game 2-2. UTD would add their second of the half with around 14 to go and we never recovered. A few small mistakes...
Either way, we know what we are capable of and that things will turn eventually. We have our second season among us with the opening of SCAC play this weekend in Colorado. We fly out on Friday and play CC on Saturday, with the game set for 2:00 MST. We then play our final non-conference match on Sunday against a quality Nebraska Wesleyan team before flying home Sunday evening.
Thanks to everyone for your continued support. The boys and I will keep moving forward. Expect some good things this weekend.
