RICHARDSON, Texas — The UT Dallas men's soccer team defeated Wayland Baptist 5-1 on Saturday at the UTD Soccer Complex in its final exhibition game. The Comets scored four goals in the first half, including a hat trick from sophomore forward
Ryan Anderson, to secure a decisive lead. Despite the Pioneers' (1-1) goal in the first half, the Comets added another in the second half to seal the victory. UTD dominated with 28 total shots, 13 on goal, while WBU managed only nine shots, with a single shot on goal.
UTD took an early lead with Anderson scoring in the second minute, assisted by
Evan Pustejovsky. Anderson struck again in the fourth minute, also assisted by Pustejovsky, putting the Comets up 2-0. Pustejovsky then scored in the 22nd minute with an assist from
Jason Torres, extending the lead to 3-0. Anderson completed his hat trick in the 37th minute, giving UTD a 4-0 advantage. The Pioneers responded with a penalty kick goal by Jamol Williams in the 40th minute, ending the first half 4-1 in favor of the Comets.
The second half started with UTD taking the offensive with two quick shots by Anderson and
Luke Harris within the first minute. WBU's Jacob Landles received a yellow card in the 49th minute, followed by another for Victor Herrera in the 54th minute. The Comets continued their aggressive play with multiple shots, including a notable save by Jesus Escobedo from
Jacob Culpepper's attempt in the 66th minute. The persistent pressure from UTD paid off in the 86th minute when freshman
Aiden Erol scored, bringing the score to 5-1, which remained until the end of the half.
UT Dallas Top Performers
Evan Pustejovsky - one goal, two assists
Ryan Anderson - three goals, game-winner, six shots, three on goal
Aiden Erol - one goal
Jason Torres - one assist
Wayland Baptist Top Performers
Jesus Escobedo - 90 minutes played, six saves
Jamol Williams - penalty kick for a goal, 3 shots
Francis Motsi - three shots
Renato Katrip - two shots
Up Next
The next challenge for the Comets takes them to Grand Junction, Colo., where they will face Westminster (Utah) on September 5. The match is set for 5 p.m. CT.
