RICHARDSON, TX (09.30.10) – The No. 24-ranked UT Dallas men's soccer team used a late first-half goal and stingy second defense to hold for a 2-1 home win over Howard Payne Thursday night in American Southwest Conference play.

Freshman Julian Torres' goal with 26 seconds left in the first half proved to be the game winner as he broke open a 1-1 game before the break. Torres, a native of Garland, collected his third goal of the season after HPU goalkeeper Malcolm Framjee was forced out of his comfort zone on a deep free kick by UTD senior Jorge Morales. Morales launched his free kick from beyond midfield and the ensuing scrum allowed Torres to find the back of the net on an unguarded goal.

The Comets (now 8-2, 5-0 ASC) then clamped down in the second half as HPU mustered just one shot in the final 45 minutes play while UTD dominated possession.

HPU (now 4-3-1, 2-3 ASC) opened the scoring in the 21st minute with Luis Tamez streaked down the left side of the field after taking a pass from teammate Shane Cazad. The Comets countered in the 25th minute when sophomore Brian Bienhoff, a native of San Antonio, scored on a rebound of a Michael Darrow shot that was saved by Framjee.

UTD held an advantage in shots on the Yellowjackets, 18-7, and took nine cornerkicks, compared to just one by HPU. Senior goalkeeper Bailey Williams, a native of Allen, picked up the win in goal, collecting three saves in the victory.

The Comets return to action Saturday afternoon when they host Mary Hardin-Baylor in ASC play. Game time is 3 p.m. at the UTD Soccer Field.

BOX SCORE