IRVING, Texas - Trinity University Men's Soccer kicked-off its 2021 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference spring schedule Friday afternoon in a road battle with University of Dallas, defeating the Crusaders, 1-0, to open league play. (PHOTO CREDIT: University of Dallas Athletics / Bridgette Alpar)
Junior midfielder Mac McCord (North Richland Hills, Texas / Keller) collected the first gamewinner of the season at the start of the second half to put the Tigers in the win column to start the 2021 campaign.
Trinity Men's Soccer remains in north Texas this weekend to do battle with Austin College on Sunday.
The Rundown
Despite the scoreless first period, Trinity held control on the offensive end nearly wire-to-wire. Trinity peppered the Dallas defense with 16 first-half shots and collected six corner kick opportunities to prevent the Crusaders from finding any room to run.
The offensive blitz by the Tigers finally found a crease at the last second of the 49th minute as McCord struck from just outside the 18 on a feed from junior forward Philip Duenez (San Antonio, Texas / Stevens) who plucked the ball out of a massive scrum just inside the arc.
With the advantage in hand, Trinity never let up. The Tiger offense maintained its presence on the attack end as it collected 10 more shots in the 20 minutes that proceeded McCord's tally, four of which were on goal.
Notable Numbers
Trinity's first goal of the 2021 slate also marked McCord's first career goal for the Tigers.
Duenez tallied his 17th career point, third career assist, with Friday's helper.
The Tigers back line held Dallas to a measley three shots over 90 minutes, only one of which was in frame, and never set the Crusaders up for a corner kick. Offensively, Trinity posted 31 shots, seven on goal, and attempted 14 corners in total. Fourteen different Tigers fired at least once.
Three Tigers collected four shots in the season-opener: midfielders senior Brady Johnston (Northampton, England / Cinco Ranch) and juniors Fraser Burns (Dalry, Scotland / Garnock) and Connor Jones (Dallas, TX / JJ Pearce).
Up Next
Trinity Men's Soccer heads further north to Sherman, Texas to pay a visit to the Kangaroos of Austin College. Kick-off is set for noon.
The Tigers return to Paul McGinlay Field Saturday, March 27 to host the University of St. Thomas for the spring home-opener.
