ABILENE, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' Cowboy soccer team played to a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Mary Hardin-Baylor on Saturday afternoon at the HSU Soccer Complex in an American Southwest Conference matchup.
The Cowboys (5-7-1, 4-2-1 ASC) matched the conference-leading Crusaders (10-2-1, 6-0-1 ASC) for 90 minutes in a defensive battle that featured quality chances on both ends of the pitch.
Mary Hardin-Baylor held a slight 21-17 advantage in total shots, while the Cowboys placed eight shots on goal and forced Crusader goalkeeper Hughston Taggart to make eight saves.
Hardin-Simmons received a strong effort from its goalkeeping unit, as
Joel McPherson made five saves in the opening half before
Joaquin Sanchez stopped four shots over the final 45 minutes. The Cowboys combined for a shutout and recorded nine total saves.
Gabriel Rodriguez led the Cowboys with three shots on goal, while
Edwin Macias fired three shots and put one on frame.
Easton Hedge created offensive opportunities off the bench with three shots, including a late attempt that was denied by Taggart.
Both teams had opportunities to break the deadlock in the second half. Sanchez turned away several dangerous chances for the Crusaders, while Hardin-Simmons generated multiple shots during the final 20 minutes but was unable to find the back of the net.
The Cowboys continued their strong defensive play throughout the contest and secured an important conference point against one of the ASC's top teams.
The next Cowboy soccer game will be at Howard Payne on October 22 at 7:30 p.m. in Brownwood, Texas.
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