Scorpions Open RRAC Play with 3-1 Win over Huston-Tillotson
Posted September 23, 2008
AUSTIN -– Brian Hardie scored two goals to lead the UTB/TSC Scorpions to a 3-1 victory over Huston-Tillotson University Tuesday, September 23, at St. Francis School Field.

The game was the first of seven Red River Athletic Conference games for both teams. The Scorpions (5-2), who received votes equivalent to receiving a No. 41 ranking in the nation, are 1-0 in the RRAC while HTU is now 3-5-1, 0-1.

“It was a great performance and a good confidence builder  against one of the best teams in the conference,” Scorpion head coach Dan Balaguero said. “Brian had two great goals. All in all , we really had a solid performance. It’s great to win that first conference game.”

Hardie scored his first goal with 21:48 left in the first half on a free kick that was just inside the left post. Fernando Mendoza then scored with eight seconds left in the half with assists by Darren O’Connor and Steve Howard to give the Scorpions a 2-0 halftime lead.

Hardie added his second goal with 38:48 left in the game, on a breakaway with an assist by Ricky Rodriguez.

HTU spoiled the Scorpion’s bid for a shutout with a goal on a penalty kick with 17:07 left in the game.

“(Goalkeeper) Juan Gamboa played fantastic,” Balaguero said. “We were in cruise control and then we had a needless penalty that led to their goal.”

The Scorpions continue their toughest week of the season when they face their two toughest opponents of the season on the road this weekend. UTB/TSC visits seventh-ranked Oklahoma City University Friday, September 26, and fifth-ranked Southern Nazarene University Saturday, September 27.

“We’re going to have our hands full against two of the best programs in the country,”  Balaguero said. “But we’re going out there with nothing to lose. We have a lot of confidence right now and will give it all we’ve got.”