Late drama in men’s soccer exhibition match

Vaqueros come back from down 2-0 to win

The UTRGV Men’s Soccer team mounted a comeback against the Texas A&M International University Dust Devils 3-2 tonight in an exhibition match at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex on the Edinburg campus.

After falling 2-0 in the first half, the Vaqueros netted three goals in the second to win their third match of the preseason, proving the age old adage of a 2-0 lead being the most dangerous in football.

UTRGV Men’s Soccer head coach Bryheem Hancock said that although “our opponent gave us problems,” he understood it was a good learning opportunity for the team headed into the regular season.

“For our guys, we tell them the scoreline is the biggest thing,” Hancock said. “For us to comeback the way that we did and respond to pick up the amount of goals we did in one half and we could’ve maybe had four or five. That, to me, shows a lot of character out of the group.”

Junior and senior forwards Kgodiso Sukati and Oneeko Allen netted crucial goals to help rally the Vaqueros to the win.

“Every time we’ve had a match, they’ve all shown up,” Hancock said of Sukati and Allen. “They bring a lot of energy, attacking mindset, aggressive, exactly what you need.”

UTRGV started by creating chances, maintaining a good pace and controlling possession of the ball. However, the A&M International back line held its own.

The Vaqueros then got caught on a 3 vs. 2 break, conceding the opening goal on a counterattack in the 23rd minute of the match to make it 1-0 Dust Devils.

Excellent build-up play allowed the visitors to double their lead 2-0 in the 31st minute, a lead they carried to the end of the first half.

The Dust Devils played a physical and brutal style of football in the first half, with the referee booking two players on their team.

The Vaqueros found a break of their own in the second half. In the 51st minute, a 4 vs. 3 counterattack saw Sukati rifle the ball into the top bin to get the Vaqueros on the board 2-1.

They then continued to apply pressure to the Dust Devils’ defense. UTRGV was rewarded with a 78th-minute equalizer by Allen, making it even at 2-2.

A minute later, the Vaqueros’ attack forced an own goal by A&M International to put UTRGV ahead 3–2. UTRGV did not relinquish the lead and the game ended in a 3-2 victory in come-from-behind fashion.

Athletes from different UTRGV Athletics programs, in an event called “March to the Match,” came out to support their counterparts in men’s soccer.

Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque said it was “special” to see student athletes supporting each other.

“It’s been a special week,” Conque said. “Seeing [student athletes] being together all week and, then, certainly seeing them come out to support our men’s soccer program. It’s really what college athletics is all about.”

    The UTRGV Men’s Soccer team will play away for their first official match, taking on Lindenwood University at 1 p.m. Sunday in St. Charles, Missouri. Fans can stream the match on ESPN+.