WBU dominates shots stats but falls, 1-0

Wayland Baptist took six times more shots than Huston-Tillotson, but the Pioneers fell to the Rams on Saturday evening at Hilliard Field, 1-0.

Wayland (3-2-1), winners of its last three outings, pumped out 24 shots compared to just four for HTU (2-1), but the Rams recorded the lone score on a free kick from 30 yards out in the 31^st minute. The shot from Jommar Reyes sailed just over the arms of WBU keeper Adriano Coppolecchia.

The Pioneers spent the rest of the match frantically trying to even the score, but to no avail. Wayland outside the Rams in the second half, 16-1. WBU had eight shots on-goal versus two for the visitors from Austin.

"I thought we had a strong second half, but, unfortunately, we could not finish despite the pressure we exerted on Huston-Tillotson," Wayland coach Robert Ssejjemba said. "We did create so much and had some good plays and combinations, especially in the wide areas. I think that is the only positive from the game."
 
"We need to learn to start every game like we started the second half."
 
Luis Fernandez fired off a team-high five shots for Wayland, while Leonardo Marini, Bryan Alfaro, Angel Rivas and Santiago Hernandez managed three each. Leonardo Amaral and Rivas had two on-target shots apiece.
 
The Pioneers' next scheduled match Thursday at home against Arlington Baptist was cancelled, but Ssejjemba's squad picked up a match against Eastern New Mexico (3-2-1) in Portales for that same day. That will be the final tune-up for Wayland prior to the start of Sooner Athletic Conference action on Sept. 27 at fourth-ranked Mid-America Christian (6-1).