The task ahead for the UHV men’s soccer team is both straightforward and significant this week.
The objective is clear: if the Jaguars secure a victory, they will clinch a spot in the Red River Athletic Conference tournament for the impressive 10th consecutive season.
Currently holding a record of UHV (7-5-2, 5-5-1), the team will first take on Our Lady of the Lake at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, followed by a crucial away match against Texas A&M-San Antonio at the same time on Saturday. A single win from either of these two pivotal matches is all that’s needed for the Jaguars to return to the competitive landscape of the conference tournament, a tournament they have triumphed in three times.
“We’re ready to make a push,” stated senior center back Matt Sturgeon with determination. “We’re coming off a win (4-1 vs. North American), and it was not just a good win—it was a hard-fought victory where we truly played for one another. I believe in the upcoming games, we are set to demonstrate our resilience and our ability to perform under both adversity and pressure. It’s crucial to focus on just one game at a time.”
In that victorious match against the Stallions, the Jaguars showcased their attacking prowess, as seniors Osiel Robledo, Carlos Quinones, and Diby Kouassi, along with sophomore Einar Rolfsen, got their names on the scoresheet. Notably, those were the first goals of the season for both Quinones and Kouassi, marking a significant milestone for the players.
As the season approaches its climax, head coach Adrian Rigby is eager for the team to rely heavily on the leadership qualities of its seasoned players. “We have some excellent leadership on the team,” Rigby remarked. “Our primary focus remains on one game at a time. We want to create a scenario where our destiny lies firmly in our hands.”
UHV boasts one of the most potent offenses in the conference, averaging an impressive 2.5 goals per game and accumulating a total of 103 points (goals plus assists), both of which rank third in the conference standings. Kouassi also holds a noteworthy position, being third in assists within the RRAC.
“It’s always rewarding to contribute to the team’s success and be decisive at this critical juncture,” Kouassi acknowledged. “Having different players scoring is significant as it demonstrates our diverse attacking options. It’s reassuring to know we can count on everyone to step up.”
Defensive play has also seen tremendous improvement from UHV lately. Goalkeeper Tyler Kaeppeli stands out with a commendable second-place ranking in save percentage (.776), while Eric Thust leads the conference in fewest goals allowed (just 6) and holds the fifth position in goals allowed average (1.17).
In recent games, senior Adam Thompson has transitioned to a defensive role, providing an additional layer of experience alongside Sturgeon. “His presence has solidified our defense,” Sturgeon explained. “As another senior, he understands the importance of communication at the back. Having been positioned as a right back before, he’s a talented player who deserves to be on the pitch and has been instrumental in our success.”
Thursday’s match will mark the 18th meeting between UHV and the Saints, a rivalry that has produced an even record of 8-8-2, with the Jaguars holding a slight advantage at 5-2-2 in recent encounters. Notably, ten of these historical matches have either resulted in draws or have been decided by a single goal, adding intensity to this already fierce rivalry.
“I’ve known their coach (Shane Hurley) for a long time,” Rigby stated with respect. “He knows how to maximize the potential of his players. Matches between OLLU and UHV have always been fiercely competitive and challenging.”
UHV holds a commendable 2-0-1 record against A&M-San Antonio, including a memorable 2-1 victory last year, during which Thompson scored the decisive game-winning goal.
**Interview with UHV Men’s Soccer Team Senior Center Back Matt Sturgeon**
**Editor:** Welcome, Matt! Thank you for joining us today. The UHV Jaguars have an important week ahead. How are you and the team feeling heading into these crucial matches?
**Matt Sturgeon:** Thanks for having me! We’re feeling really motivated. Securing a spot in the Red River Athletic Conference tournament for the tenth consecutive season is a huge goal for us, and we’re ready to give our all on the field.
**Editor:** You mentioned that the focus is on winning just one of the two upcoming games against Our Lady of the Lake and Texas A&M-San Antonio. How do you keep the team grounded and focused on one match at a time?
**Matt Sturgeon:** It all comes down to our mentality. We know that if we focus too much on the bigger picture, we might overlook the immediate task. Each game is an opportunity, and we stress the importance of taking it one step at a time. If we stay focused and play our game, I believe we can achieve our goal.
**Editor:** You recently came off a strong 4-1 win against North American, where several players scored their first goals of the season. How did that victory boost the team’s confidence?
**Matt Sturgeon:** That win was huge for morale. It wasn’t just about the scoreline; it was a true team effort. Everyone fought for each other out there, and to see our seniors like Carlos Quinones and Diby Kouassi net their first goals was really special. It reminded us of our potential when we work together.
**Editor:** Head Coach Adrian Rigby mentioned the importance of leadership as you approach these decisive matches. How do you and the other seniors aim to lead the team during this time?
**Matt Sturgeon:** As seniors, we know that our experience is valuable, especially in high-pressure situations. We try to encourage the younger guys and keep everyone’s spirits high. Communication on the field is key, and we make sure to remind each other to stay focused and play smart.
**Editor:** UHV’s offense has been one of the most potent in the conference, averaging 2.5 goals per game. What’s been the key to this offensive success?
**Matt Sturgeon:** Our attacking style is all about movement and creating opportunities. With players like Osiel Robledo and Einar Rolfsen, along with our midfielders, we’ve developed great chemistry. We understand each other’s playing styles, which helps us keep the pressure on our opponents.
**Editor:** what message do you want to send to UHV fans as you head into these pivotal matches?
**Matt Sturgeon:** We appreciate all the support from our fans! We want them to know that we’re giving everything we have for each other and for them. We are ready to fight for a spot in the tournament, and with their support, we believe we can make it happen.
**Editor:** Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Matt. Best of luck to you and the team this week!
**Matt Sturgeon:** Thank you! We’re excited for the challenge ahead.
