AUSTIN – Huston-Tillotson University's men's soccer team will try to continue their winning streak this week when they host Paul Quinn College and the University of the Southwest.
The Rams host Paul Quinn on Thursday in Austin as they aim for their second consecutive win after defeating Houston–Victoria 2-0 last week. HT's Saturday soccer doubleheader against Southwest (N.M.) has been moved to Georgetown, Texas.
MATCH DAY 8
THE MATCHUP: Paul Quinn (1-5-1, 1-5-0 RRAC) at HT Rams (2-3-2, 1-3-1 RRAC)
DATE / TIME: Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 / 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Austin, Texas
PITCH: Onion Creek Soccer Complex
ADDRESS: 5600 E William Cannon Dr; Austin, Texas 78744
About the Rams
• The eight-team Red River Athletic Conference tournament is within reach for the Rams, who currently sit in 11th place in the 14-team league. This week's matches could be a great opportunity for HT to climb in the standings, with Paul Quinn in last place and Southwest just ahead of the Rams in 10th place.
•
Aaron Yancy's HT squad is tied for sixth with Texas A&M–San Antonio in goals allowed, having only given up 13 goals.
•
Matias Olivas is the Rams' leading scorer, having scored two of HT's eight goals this season. He also scored both goals in HT's exhibition win over Texas Lutheran's reserves at the start of the season.
• HT goalkeeper
Juan Acosta posted his second shutout of the season in the Rams' 2-0 win over Houston–Victoria. He was named the RRAC's Defensive Player of the Week for his performance.
• The Rams' two goals (from
Wesley Albright and Octavio Lopez) against UHV account for a quarter of the goals given up by the Jaguars this season. Their 1.00 goals-against average per game is tied for the top in the conference with Xavier (La.) and Louisiana Christian.
About the Tigers
• Paul Quinn College started the season with a 2-2 draw against Sterling (Kan.), then lost their first four RRAC matches.
• The Tigers snapped their four-game losing streak last Thursday with a shock 4-2 triumph at home over Texas A&M–San Antonio.
• PQC has been outscored 23-7 in six RRAC matches.
• Three PQC players (Charlie Fisher, Mitchalin Ford, and Frankie Oviedo) are tied for the team lead with two goals apiece.
Series Outlook
• Huston-Tillotson has won five of the seven previous matchups between the two teams since Paul Quinn launched soccer in 2016.
• The Rams seek their third straight triumph over the Tigers; HT won last year's meeting 5-1 in Dallas, and won its last home match against the Tigers 3-0 in 2022 in Round Rock.
MATCH DAY 9
THE MATCHUP: Southwest (N.M.) (3-4-2, 1-3-2 RRAC) at HT Rams
DATE / TIME: Saturday, Oct. 12 / 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Georgetown, Texas
PITCH: Ray Thomas Jr. Fields
ADDRESS: 2101 Maple St.; Georgetown, TX 78626
About the Mustangs
• Southwest (N.M.) is winless in its last five RRAC matches (0-3-2) since opening conference play with a 2-1 win at home over Xavier (La.).
• This week's road trip to Victoria, Texas, and Austin is only the second road trip for the Mustangs in 2024; they lost both matches on their trip to Rapides Parish, La., two weeks ago (L, 4-2 at Louisiana Christian; L, 3-2 at LSU–Alexandria).
• The Mustangs' 1.78 goals per game ranks seventh in the RRAC.
• Yahir Chacon may have already secured the team MVP award, as he leads the Mustangs with seven goals in nine matches. The team's other nine goals this season have been scored by nine different players.
Series Outlook
• The Rams won last year's matchup in New Mexico by a score of 2-1, and have won the last two matches played in the series.
• HT won 2-0 in 2022, the last time the teams met in Texas.
• The Rams are 10-4 against Southwest (N.M.) since the Mustangs joined the RRAC in 2008.
– HT –
