September 17, 2012
San Antonio – The Rattlers saw double again Monday, playing into double overtime with Texas A&M International University before closing out with a scoreless draw that twice saw the ball nearly bounce in the Dustdevils’ favor.
After falling to East Central in double overtime last Tuesday, the Rattlers (0-2-1, 0-0-1 in conference) pounded for another 110-minute contest, sparring in equally-matched, two yellow-cards-apiece aggressive play with the Dustdevils (1-2-2, 0-0-1 in conference). The game remained a stalemate from the solid work of both goalies that denied a lead being established in either direction. But in the final minutes St. Mary’s also received protection from a different staff.
“It’s always nice that you know that you have the posts helping you out,” says Rattler keeper Patrick Kasperitis, “to make a few saves for you.”
As the clock dwindled in the second set of extra play, the 106-minute-mark saw a clean shot from Dustdevil Eduardo Gonzalez that stretched beyond the gloves of Kasperitis (Jr., Corpus Christi, Texas). A would-be golden-goal celebration pinged off the right bar, however, as the Rattlers’ goal post racked up its first save of the game. Jetting down into Rattler territory just two minutes later, Dustdevil Juan Ramirez was also stunted after his shot worked its way past Kasperitis only to bang off the white, metal defender of the goal post once more in the 108th minute, ending the game at 0-0.
“That’s always a plus,” joked Kasperitis, referring to the two close calls.
Just shy of two hours in front of the net, Kasperitis made five saves on his own in the double-overtime battle with Texas A&M International University.
Although scoreless, the contest was far from a no-looks game, with both teams combining for a total of 30 shots on the day. The Rattlers proved more accurate with eight shots on goal from their 13 shots compared to the Dustdevils’ five shots on goal out of their 17 shots.
Leading in footwork was Anthony Bustos (Sr., Helotes, Texas), who had a team-high three shots, all of which were shot on goal. His fellow senior Andrew Carrasco (Corpus Christi, Texas) was next in line with two shots, both on goal. Jose Chavez (Sr., Garland, Texas), Zach Strater (So., Carrollton, Texas) and Garrett Larrington (Fr., Houston) all just missed a game-winner for the Rattlers with one shot on goal apiece.
After two double-doozies, the Rattlers will have a quick turnaround facing Oklahoma Christian University Thursday at Northside ISD soccer field at 2:30 p.m.
“Even with a quick schedule, we all should be fine,” Kasperitis said.