WICHITA FALLS, Texas – Teh No. 17 St.Mary’s University Men’s Soccer team battled to a 1-1 draw against No. 14 Rogers State on Friday afternoon at Stang Park, marking the third time this season the Rattlers have tied a nationally-ranked opponent.
This result continues a challenging start to the season for St. mary’s (1-1-3), highlighting a recurring pattern of dominance without a finishing touch against strong competition. Head Coach johnny Clifford emphasized the team’s struggle to capitalize on extended periods of control, a factor that ultimately cost them a victory against a formidable Hillcats squad (4-0-2). The tie underscores the competitive landscape of NCAA Division II soccer and sets the stage for a crucial road trip as the Rattlers seek their first win against a ranked team.
The Hillcats struck first, but St. Mary’s responded swiftly. In the 25th minute, senior Enzo Jaques of Porto Alegre, Brazil, leveled the score with a left-footed strike into the top left corner of the net, capitalizing on a failed Rogers State clearance.
“Enzo scored a great goal to get us back in it,” Clifford saeid. “The bottom line is we need to improve!”
Senior goalkeeper Johnny Thurbin, hailing from Lingfield, Surrey, England, proved pivotal in securing the draw, recording four saves, including a critical stop with just 23 seconds remaining in regulation. St. Mary’s generated a season-high 20 shots throughout the contest, with 12 coming in the first half-surpassing the 10 recorded against Midwestern State earlier in the week.The Rattlers will continue their road swing,facing Western oregon on Thursday,Sept. 25, and Northwest Nazarene on Saturday at Toyota stadium in Frisco.
