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Posted: 9/08/05

TAMIU Men’s Soccer at Home Saturday

 

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Even though the season has just begun, Texas A&M International University's men's soccer team knows that Saturday's home game against  St.  Gregory's has major implications.  Kickoff for the showdown is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Dustdevil Field.

The game will be TAMIU's second of four regular season contests this season against a Sooner Athletic Conference opponent.  The Dustdevils lost to SAC member Oklahoma Baptist last Friday and has road games at nationally-ranked

Southern Nazarene and Science & Arts of Oklahoma later this month.

A decent showing against SAC opponents will play a major factor in seeding should TAMIU (1-1 this season) qualify for its third straight NAIA Region VI Tournament.  Despite going 3-0 against SAC opponents last season the Dustdevils were seeded third in the regional tournament.  TAMIU was seeded fourth two years ago with no regular season games against SAC foes.

TAMIU is 4-2 all-time against SAC competition with both losses coming to Southern Nazarene in regional tournament play.

Head coach Claudio Arias says with SNU on the schedule, TAMIU still has a chance to make a statement for the postseason but he knows that everything starts with Saturday's game.

"We let one slip away against Oklahoma Baptist but our guys know we have three more shots against SAC opponents, " Arias said.

"We know if we go out there and win those three games we'll be in great position for the postseason. I've stressed that that we need to focus on  beating a tough St. Gregory's team on Saturday and I'm confident that the guys have received the message."

After Saturday's game TAMIU will open Red River Athletic Conference play at Texas Wesleyan on Sept. 17 before hosting Southwestern Assemblies on Sept.  19.


Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu