Wildcats visit former conference opponent Texas Wesleyan
September 21, 2016
The last time the Wiley College men’s soccer team played against Texas Wesleyan was during the second year of the restart of the soccer program in 2012 as Red River Athletic Conference Opponents. At 6 p.m. Thursday they meet again in a nonconference game.
The Wildcats (1-1-1) have not played since their scoreless tie against William Carey on September 12. With Wiley only scoring one goal in its first three games, the focus in practice has been on finishing shots. Head coach Demetrio Hernandez, who is a RRAC Coach of the Year candidate, said he feels good about where the team stands.
“Our defense and goalkeeper are doing a terrific job,” Hernandez said. “Offensively, we aren’t at the level we want to be but were are working on improving. The freshmen group is very strong. They are happy about having the opportunity to play.”
Starting goalkeeper Erik Reyes leads the conference with 6.67 saves per game. He made 15 in the double overtime tie against William Carey Monday. Reyes is second in the conference with a 0.31 goals against average.
The Rams (3-4) enter Thursday’s game on a two-game winning streak with victories over Jarvis Christian College and Paul Quinn College. For Wiley to win its first game against Texas Wesleyan since 2011, it will need to score – which is something the Wildcats didn’t do in its first two meetings with the Rams.
“One goal in three games is not very good,” Hernandez said. “We are still looking for answers in scoring but it will all come together soon.”