Jags rout Texas Wesleyan, Kaeppeli sets new career saves record

A quick start put the Texas A&M University-Victoria men's soccer team on the fast track to a win and a historic day on Thursday.

Two goals within the first 30 minutes helped spark the Jaguars to a 5-1 win over Texas Wesleyan on Thursday at The Cage.

Four different players scored and A&M-Victoria (2-2) forced Texas Wesleyan (3-3) into conceding an own goal as the Jaguars earned their first home win of the season.

"I'm proud of the team," said first-year head coach Vince Martinez. "The last couple of games, I've taken the results and put them on my shoulders but I gave this one to the boys. Well-deserved win and, more importantly, it was the first time we played a game start to finish. We played a 90-minute game today."

Senior goalkeeper Tyler Kaeppeli also etched his name in the record books with seven saves, overtaking Brian Redmond (2014-16) for the career record at A&M-Victoria. The Vernon, British Columbia, native now boasts 146 saves in four seasons with the Jaguars.

He anchored a back line which allowed just eight shots on goal from 21 attempts by the Rams. Meanwhile, the Jaguars were more efficient putting eight of their 13 shots on frame.

"I think, certainly, the 5-1 win is what matters more to me," Kaeppeli said. "If I'm being honest, I'm just honored to have been able to make those saves in those four years I've gotten those opportunities."

The win came after the game was delayed for an hour due to lightning.

But it didn't take long for the Jaguars to find their own lightning as Jervan Matthew finished off a cross by Baillie O'Reilly in the 14^th minute with Kei Matsuyama also getting an assist on the play. It was the first goal of the season for Matthew and first assists for O'Reilly and Matsuyama.

Murray Brieley joined in on the fun 15 minutes later, slotting home a pass by Mosiah Bonney to double the Jaguars' lead.

After conceding in the 59^th minute to Texas Wesleyan's Jesus Rodriguez, A&M-Victoria's Yahir Pena finished a 1-on-1 for his 12^th career goal with the Jaguars.

That sparked an unanswered run of three goals for the Jaguars with the team picking up an own goal on a cross by Peter Galvan in the 81^st minute before O'Reilly punctuated the scoring in the 89^th minute on a pass from Matthew.

O'Reilly finished the game with the team-lead in points with a goal and two assists.

"I think we looked more hungry, more confident," O'Reilly said. "I think everyone is starting to get used to how each player plays, how each player likes to receive the ball. It's good to see. It's a step in the right direction. Everyone wants to score, which is important for winning games."

The Jaguars host Dallas Christian College at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday for Youth Soccer Appreciation Day presented by Crossroads Bank. All youth soccer players wearing their team's uniform gets free admission into the game.