UD Men’s Soccer Overcomes Early Deficit for Season Opening Win

The Crusaders kicked off the start to the 2009 season in thrilling fashion coming from behind to defeat in state rival Austin College on two late goals. The game was the first played between the two programs in Sherman since the Roos 1-0 defeat of Dallas in the 2008 opener. UD was able to overcome a 1-0 deficit that stood for nearly 60 minutes before breaking through against the Kangaroos when junior midfielder/forward Phil Conley (Palatine, IL/Palatine H.S.) delivered on a pass from freshman and fellow forward Garrett Johnson (Lewisville, TX/Lewisville H.S.). Freshman midfielder Billy Stofer (Albuquerque, NM/Sandia H.S.) set up the scoring opportunity on a corner kick to Johnson for the double assist. Less than eight minutes later junior midfielder/forward Ryan Meske (Niwot, CO/Niwot H.S.) put the Crusaders over the top to complete the comeback in the 77th minute.

The win will give the Crusaders a load of momentum and confidence heading into a road trip that will take the team to Mississippi and Tennessee before returning home to open against McMurry University. The home opener is set for September 11 at 4:00pm.