GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - Southwestern University Men's Soccer dominates the pace once again, beating the East Texas Baptist University Tigers 2-0 on Thursday night. The victory improves their record to 8-0-1 overall, marking the best start to a season in program through nine games. The Pirates have the opportunity to go a full three years of unbeaten soccer in non-conference play. Southwestern's last non-conference loss was in 2022, sitting at 19-0-7 from 2023-2025 outside of league play.
The Pirates built a strong lead before junior defender
Cooper Pero received an unlucky decision of a red card on a challenge right outside of the box in the 60th. Southwestern used brilliant strategy and heart to stave off the Tigers, despite being a man down. The victory marked the fifth clean sheet of the season for the Pirates defense, outscoring opponents 23-4 in the process.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
- Southwestern and ETBU met for the third time in program history on Thursday night at Varsity Field.
- Both squads were aggressive early on as both teams received early yellow cards in the 26th minute on quick bookings by the ref.
- The Pirates found the back of the net in the 36th minute. Junior Lucas Marino swung a ball into the box which took a deflection to senior Raghav Sharma who fired it into the net about eight yards out.
- Sharma collects his fourth goal of the season and third in the past two matches.
- The lead remained 1-0 heading into the break.
- Three minutes into the second half, Southwestern's depth shinned as sophomore Diego Muller slotted a through ball into freshman Justus Mason who beat the sliding keeper. The goal marked Mason's first of his career, along with Muller's first Pirate assist.
- In the 60th minute, ETBU drove in deep before Pero took down a Tiger about 20 yards out. The referee consulted with the line official, before shocking Pero with an unexpected red card decision.
- Despite the decision, Southwestern used strategy of frequent subs, different lineups, and overall toughness to stall off the final 30 minutes.
- Senior Scott Johnson made seven saves on the night, highlighted by pushing one off the post on a rocket ground save.
UP NEXT
Join us back at Varsity Field on Sunday at 11 a.m. The Pirates look to go a third straight season of undefeated non-conference play against University of California-Santa Cruz before the squad starts SAA play.