Box Score The LeTourneau University men's soccer dropped a 2-0 decision to No. 13 University of Texas-Dallas on Friday night at the Joyce Family Athletic Village.
 
The YellowJackets (3-9-1, 1-3 ASC) challenged the visiting Comets with aggressive defense throughout the contest. Sophomore goalkeeper Patrick Barba III organized a tenacious defense that limited a Comets attack that is averaging 3.45 goals and 23 shots per contest.
 
The Comets (8-0-3, 2-0-2) recorded their seventh shutout on the season but it did not come easy. LeTourneau set up opportunities with three opportunities early into the second half that were saved by UTD goalkeeper Steven Nicknish, who recorded his fifth shutout of the season.
 
UTD ended the scoreless tie when Omar Jaroun broke free with a shot just past Barba in the lower left for the early 1-0 advantage in the 18^th minute. Despite the deficit, the YellowJackets continued to put pressure on their nationally-ranked opponents.
 
LETU sought to equalize but the Comets added to their lead in the 57^th minute when Michael Darrow converted on a free kick, following a YellowJacket foul. The goal by Darrow was his 13^th of the season which leads the ASC.
 
The YellowJackets continued to compete until the final whistle and a shot by sophomore Martin Pflaum in the 87^th minute was scooped up by Nicknish to preserve the shutout.
 
LeTourneau will continue its homestand when they host the University of the Ozarks on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Joyce Family Athletic Village.