HOUSTON, Texas – The University of St. Thomas men's soccer team delivered a strong performance in the semifinals of the SCAC Men's Soccer Tournament, securing a 2-0 victory over #1 Seed Colorado College at SaberCats Stadium. With the win, the fourth-seeded Celts advance to their fourth consecutive SCAC championship match, continuing their impressive tournament run. Senior forward Daniel Castro played a pivotal role, scoring both goals in the match, including a long-range stunner in the first half and a late penalty kick that sealed the win.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Castro's two goals, his 12th and 13th of the season, were instrumental in St. Thomas's victory. His first goal came in the 36th minute, when he launched a powerful shot from distance into the net. In the 87th minute, Castro sealed the win with a calm penalty kick, making him the all-time leader in SCAC tournament goals with six, surpassing former Texas Lutheran star Luis Green.
Despite a strong offensive showing from Colorado College, who outshot St. Thomas 13-10 and earned a 5-2 edge in corner kicks, the Celts' defense remained solid. Goalkeeper Cristo Gayoso made three key saves to preserve the shutout and help the Celts reach another championship match.
UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
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Daniel Castro (F): 2 goals, 2 shots, 2 shots on goal
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Justin Burke (M): 2 shots
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Emmanuel Rodriguez (M): 2 shots
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Diego Lazo (M): 1 shot, 1 shot on goal
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Cristo Gayoso (GK): 90 minutes, 0 goals allowed, 3 saves
NOTABLES
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With his two goals in the match, Daniel Castro became the SCAC all-time leader in career tournament goals with six, surpassing former Texas Lutheran standout Luis Green.
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Castro's performance marked the third time in SCAC tournament history that he scored multiple goals in a match, making him the only men's player to accomplish this feat three times. He previously netted two goals in last year's semifinal victory over Colorado College and in the 2022 championship match against Trinity.
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This victory marks St. Thomas's fourth consecutive appearance in the SCAC Men's Soccer Championship match. After falling in a shootout in the 2020-21 final, the Celts have won three consecutive titles – defeating Trinity in 2021 (1-0), 2022 (3-1), and in a shootout last season.
St. Thomas now advances to face the winner of tonight's other semifinal between second-seeded Trinity and third-seeded Southwestern. The SCAC championship match is set to take place at SaberCats Stadium on Sunday at 2:00 pm CT.
UP NEXT
St. Thomas (10-5-2) will compete for the SCAC Men's Soccer Championship on Sunday at 2:00 pm CT at SaberCats Stadium. For updates, visit www.ustcelts.com or follow @USTathletics and @ustmsoccer on Instagram.
