Nov. 15, 2009

Box Score

DURANGO, Colo. - After a delay due to weather conditions, the West Texas A&M men's soccer team was unable to find their offensive rhythm during Sunday's NCAA regionals final round and were defeated by #1 Fort Lewis College, 3-1.

In the first half, both teams struggled on offense, with FLC's Jeff Jennings scoring the first goal in the 24th minute of the match off a rebound. Both teams would enter the locker rooms at the half with Fort Lewis up 1-0.

Fort Lewis would pick up their offensive attack in the second half, outshooting the Buffs 11-4.

In the 56th minute, FLC's Thomas Hoang with an assist from Jennings placed a header past goalkeeper Sebastian Furness (SO, Middlesbrough, England). Thirty seconds later, the Skyhawks would attack the net again, with FLC's Joe Barnd's shot finding its way into the back of the Buffs net. The Skyhawks increased their lead in the second half to 3-0.

Junior forward Ben Everson (JR, Middlesbrough, England) placed the lone Buff goal into the Skyhawks net when his shot deflected into the goal off a Fort Lewis player in the 81st minute of the match. Everson ends the season with a total of 15 goals, the most goals he has ever scored in a single season while at WTAMU.

Furness made two saves during the match while FLC goalkeeper Zane Wells made three saves to ensure the Skyhawk win. The Skyhawks out-shot the Buffs by a 17-8 margin.

The Buffs end their season with an overall record of 15-2-2 and Lone Star Conference record of 4-0-2; the Buffs also earned a share of the LSC title with the Midwestern State Mustangs. This season the Buffs earned their highest National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) national ranking in the program's 19 year history, ending the regular season slotted at #3 in the nation.