RAMS OPEN WITH STRONG GAME
August 25, 2006

FORT WORTH, TX:  The defending Red River Athletic Conference Champion Texas Wesleyan University men’s soccer team kicked off its season today.  The Rams battled a solid West Texas A&M team to a 0-0 draw after two overtime periods.

Both teams had quality scoring chances but defense prevailed in what was the season opener for both schools.

The Buffalo out shot the Rams 28-11, but senior goalkeeper Thomas Hansen counteracted that by making 11 saves.  JJ Craddock tallied three saves for West Texas.

As the game wore on through the 100-degree heat, both teams increased their level of play.  With just seconds remaining in the first overtime period the Buffalo got the ball in the box, but Hansen made a terrific save at point blank range.

In the final period, the Rams hit a cross bar and both keepers traded saves in the final two minutes to preserve the draw.

The game marked the fifth shutout of Hansen’s four-year career as he played all 110 minutes in the net for Texas Wesleyan.

Head coach Josh Gibbs was pleased with the team’s performance in his first game at the helm.  “These guys put together a good game.  I’m very proud of the effort this early, but we still have a lot to work on.”