Fernando Mendoza
Scorpion forward Fernando Mendoza (11) looks for open space on field
(Photo by Elizabeth A. Perez, The Collegian)

Scorpions Shut Out St. Thomas for Second Time in Eight Days
 Posted September 6, 2008

Senior Fernando Mendoza scored the only goal of the game in the first half to lead the UTB/TSC Scorpions to a 1-0 victory over St. Thomas University of Houston in the Scorpion Soccer Classic at Morningside Park Saturday, September 6.

The Scorpions (2-1) had opened their season in Houston with a 3-0 victory over St. Thomas August 30.

Mendoza's goal came in the game's 24th minute from close range with an assist from Brian Hardie.

Scorpion goalkeeper Juan Gamboa had his second shutout of the season.

"It's always tough to beat a team twice in one week," Scorpion head coach Dan Balaguero said. "They had nothing to lose and both teams knew the other pretty well. But we showed some character and hung tough. I was real happy for Nando because that was his first goal of the season."

UTB/TSC gets right back to Morningside Park with a tough matchup against Oklahoma Baptist University (2-0) at 3 p.m. Sunday, September 7. The Bison downed College of Santa Fe, 6-1, in the tournament's opening game Saturday.

"Oklahoma Baptist will be a very tough matchup," Balaguero said. "I hope we have a good crowd behind us because we'll need all the support we can get."

After Sunday's game, the Scorpions will visit St. Edward's University in Austin Sunday, September 14.