BISMARK, N.D. – The No. 13 Eastern New Mexico men’s soccer program recorded its third shutout of the season after defeating the University of Mary 1-0 Thursday afternoon.
A goal from junior midfielder Gabriel Peres in the 46th minute was the difference maker as the Hounds tied the program’s longest winning streak at five games. Eastern leaned on its impenetrable defense as the Hounds backline only allowed four shots with none of them making it on goal.
Junior defender Ivo Mendoza recorded his first assist of his Greyhound career as his pass led Peres through the Marauder’s defense who finished the ball in the bottom right corner.
The first half remained tightly contested as neither team could establish an offensive rhythm with the Hounds going to the locker room with a slim 4-3 advantage in the shots column. Head Coach John Fridal and the ENMU coaching staff were able to refocus the team coming out of the break as Peres scored in the first minute of the second half and Eastern out-shot the Marauders 10-1 in the final 45 minutes.
Center backs Joaquin Borruel and Robbie Jenkinson have played all 457 minutes of the 2019 season and their play was again a crucial factor to the team’s success. Team captain and goalkeeper Ross Dalton did not record a save in the match but continued to direct his defense and keep the ball out of the net as he finished with his third shut-out, the highest mark amongst Lone Star Conference competitors.
The Hounds take the field Saturday at noon against Montana State-Billings as they seek a program-best sixth consecutive victory.
