Hobbs, NM---In the first game of their inaugural season, the Wayland men's soccer team put up a gallant effort in a 2-0 loss at the University of the Southwest.
According to head coach Shiloh Posey, the action got a little rough at times, but his young team held its own.
"The men did themselves proud. It was an extremely physical contest, but the guys played clean and they played hard. There is absolutely no reason for them to hang their heads. The overall effort was really good.
"We had several opportunities, but waited just a little too long on some of our chances, trying to make the perfect play."
Bright Atoe, a freshman from North Richland Hills, had perhaps the best opportunity for the Pioneers taking a beautiful shot from about 20 feet back that just missed the crossbar.
"There was no way the goalie could have made a play on it if the ball had stayed inside that crossbar," explained Posey.
Freshmen Trevor Burkhead and Gerardo Espinoza had outstanding games, according to Posey. Burkhead played sweeper the entire match, while the 5-6, 140 pound Espinoza played "way above his size" at the outside right position.
"Colten Givens and Bryan Merlos also worked tirelessly at the outside forward spots.
"Overall, it was a very, very team-oriented effort," added Posey, "and a great place to start from. I couldn't have asked anymore from them for a first time."
The Pioneers return to action this weekend with a match on Friday in Ft. Worth against Texas Wesleyan University. On Saturday, the Wayland men take on Northwood University in Cedar Hill.
