RAMS BLANK MARYVILLE, 3-0
September 4, 2006

FORT WORTH, TX:  The Texas Wesleyan University men’s soccer team improved to 1-0-1 on the young season by downing Maryville University (0-3) on Monday.  The Rams controlled the game throughout and received a spectacular goal from Ryan Landers on their way to a 3-0 win.

Inclement weather moved the game from Marin Field to Nolan Catholic High School, which happens to be the former stomping grounds of senior goalkeeper Thomas Hansen.  Hansen felt right at home and delivered his second shutout in as many tries this season.

The Rams dominated ball control in the first half, out shooting the Saints 15-3 and taking a 7-0 edge on corner kicks.  However, their halftime margin was just 1-0 after Seth Mullins hit Christian Villasenior for a goal off a corner kick in the 19th minute.

In the 64th minute, Jason Reid collected a rebound in front of the Maryville goal and beat keeper Jeff Senior for another score.  The game began to get physical late as each team received a yellow card in between the 71st and 77th minutes.  Ryan Landers then put the exclamation point on the win in the 88th minute when collected the ball 25 yards out, beat four defenders in succession, and deposited his first goal of the season.

Hansen finished the game with two saves while his Maryville counterpart, Senior recorded nine saves in goal.  For the game, Texas Wesleyan out shot the Saints 25-5.

The win was the first for head coach Josh Gibbs who was pleased with the shutout, but felt his team did not attack the way they are capable of.  “We were able to dictate the pace of the game, but we still need to finish better.  Our backs played very well.  They have accepted some new rules and really taken the time to learn a new system.”

The Rams return to action on Wednesday, September 13, when they travel to Belton, TX, to take on Mary Hardin-Baylor.  That game is scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. and will be preceded by a women’s match at 1:00 p.m.