Nov. 5, 2006

Final Stats

KERRVILLE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' men's soccer team claimed its second straight American Southwest Conference Championship with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Mississippi College, Sunday afternoon in Kerrville.

Mississippi Choctaws struck first as Phillip Buffington scored on a breakaway goal in the 12th minute. Hardin-Simmons had three excellent chances in the first half but failed to finish.

In the second half, the Cowboys were able to convert when freshman Estevan Arbariza found the net in the 52nd minute. Then senior David Salas scored in the 60th minute off a rebound to give the Cowboys the lead they would not relinquish and cement his second straight ASC Tournament MVP award.

"What can you say about this team," said HSU head coach Dan Heger. "Austin White was great in goal, like he has been all tournament long and the big fellow (David Salas) got another one. The team bought in to what we were trying to do and we are going to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year."

Salas scored a goal in all three Cowboy wins. HSU is the first team in ASC history to win three games in three days to take the title.

HSU had to hold off a furious charge by MC in the last 30 minutes, but freshman goalkeeper Austin White was up to the task. MC out shot the Cowboys 17-5 in the second half, but White had eight second-half saves.

The Cowboys improved to 14-5-1 on the year and earned an automatic bid into the NCAA Championship. Mississippi College ended its season with a record of 14-5-3. HSU will find out tournament pairings at 9 a.m. on Monday.