HOUSTON, TX- The University of St. Thomas men's soccer team played their final home match of the season at SaberCats Stadium, celebrating Senior Night and one final victory in front of their home crowd. The Celts showcased their resilience as they closed out the season with a hard-earned 4-2 victory over conference opponent Centenary College. This win solidified UST's final overall record at 9-6-1 and their conference record at 5-5-1.
The Celts came out strong to start the first half, setting an early tone of dominance. Within the opening minutes, UST fired off multiple shot attempts from
Aldo Hernandez, Elijah Flores, and
Brandon Delaney to test the Centenary defense. The first breakthrough came at the sixth minute when
Jovany Garcia scored the first goal of the match, putting the Celts up 1-0. Just moments later, UST was awarded a penalty kick after a Centenary foul in the box. In the 16th minute,
Jeth Flores confidently took his shot, extending the lead to 2-0. The Celts continued their offensive pressure throughout the half, with consistent chances from
Brian Garcia,
Jose Hernandez, and
Aaron Rodriguez, but Centenary's goalkeeper managed to keep additional shots out. The half concluded with UST earning a 2-0 advantage.
Coming into the second half, the Celts looked to carry their momentum and close out the match cleanly. Just a minute into play,
Brian Garcia made a break through on a well-placed shot assisted by
Jose Hernandez to make it 3-0 in the 46th minute. Coming up close behind, Centenary responded shortly after with a goal to cut the lead to 3-1, and another in the 58th minute, tightening the scoreline to 3-2. The match intensity rose as both sides battled for the winning title, but UST stayed composed under pressure. A pivotal moment came in the 76th minute when goalkeeper
Jorge Gonzalez denied a Centenary penalty kick, preserving the Celts' lead. Shortly after,
Brian Garcia struck again, scoring his second goal of the match in the 77th minute to secure the 4-2 victory. The closing minutes were marked by defensive control, allowing the Celts' to finish strong, earning them a memorable Senior Night win.
As the Celts close out their season, they carry forward lessons of unexpected trials, perseverance, and teamwork. This final match was a reflection of the battles they faced throughout the year, proving their ability to rise to the occasion and overcome challenges as they continue to display composure. Concluding their 2025 season, St. Thomas looks ahead with high spirits for next season and what's to come.
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Up Next:
The Celts conclude their 2025 season and look ahead to prepare for the next season with a renewed sense of determination and ambition. Follow along at www.ustcelts.com and on Instagram @ustathletics and @ustmsoccer for updates and more. Go Celts!
