The University of St. Thomas Men's Soccer team won their quarterfinal match in a penalty shootout against Texas Lutheran, 2(3) - 2(1).
The first half kicked off with the Celts immediately testing the Bulldogs. Luis Bencomo's shot on goal was saved by Bulldog's goalkeeper at the 6th minute. This would be the first of many looks on goal for the Celts. The Bulldogs managed to find the back of the net at the 20th minute, taking an early lead. Gabe Salako had two important looks on goal but was not able to capitalize finding the TLU goalkeeper's hands both times. The Celts outshot the Bulldogs six to three on shots on goal with Rodrigo Lazo recording two saves. The Celts controlled a better of the half offensively with more possession, but it was not enough as they went into the half being down, 1-0.
The second half mirrored the first as the Celts forced Bulldogs' goalkeeper to make back-to-back saves within a span of three minutes. TLU managed to extend their lead 2-0 early on in the half. Dany Ramirez earned one back for the Celts at the 72nd minute after scoring his PK. Momentum shifted as the Celts continued to press the Bulldogs with Salako eventually scoring the equalizer for the Celts at the 82nd minute. After 90 minutes of play, the teams headed to extra time and eventually penalty kicks as both teams failed to score in the two 10-minute periods. Lazo managed to keep the Bulldogs at bay having saved three of the four penalty shots taken by TLU, to give the Celts the victory.
Men's Soccer will face Trinity in their first SCAC semifinal tomorrow.
