RICHARDSON, TX (10.14.17) - The UT Dallas men's soccer team ended a three-game winless skid Saturday night with a 2-0 home victory over McMurry in American Southwest Conference play.

After a scoreless opening half, freshman Jesse Ardila got the Comets on the scoreboard in the 61st minute as he drilled a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box past McMurry keeper Francisco Avilez. UTD would later add an insurance tally from Alfredo Kaegi when he broke free on a John Nicknish punt and beat Alvilez one-on-one in the 88th minute.

The guest War Hawks (6-5-2, 3-3-2 ASC) held the UTD offense in check throughout the opening half, gaining a 7-5 shot advantage in the first 45 minutes. However, the Comets came alive after the break, taking 15 shots in the second period, five of which were on frame.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
The Comets ended game out-shooting McMurry, 20-13, despite the slow opening half and finished the contest with six shots on goal. 

Freshman Nicknish became the second Comet keeper this season, and fourth in the past six years, to earn an assist as his punt late in the game led to Kaegi's breakaway goal.

Now with 16 points and two games left on the league slate, the two-time defending champion Comets have nearly locked up spot in the ASC Tournament for the eighth straight season. With help from the league this next, UTD could secure the playoff spot.

KEY PERFORMERS
Four different Comets finished the night with three shots apiece, Brad Rivenes, Kasden Williams, Danny Meyer and Christian Vieira. Ardilla took two shots, both on goal off of free kicks. Nicknish made one save in his third shutout of the season.

UP NEXT
The Comets (7-5-1, 5-3-1 ASC) take a break from ASC play next week with a pair of games in Los Angeles, Calif. UTD will Occidental College Saturday and then square off with UC-Santa Cruz Sunday.