COMMERCE – A goal in the 64^th minute by Elaina Flores was just enough for the East Texas A&M University soccer team to keep it hopes alive for a Southland Conference title as the Lions took a 1-0 win over the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros on Thursday night at the Lion Soccer Field.
 
The win over the Vaqueros was the third win in the last four matches for the Lions, who scored the match-winning goal in the second half in each of those wins. East Texas A&M improves to 7-6-4 overall and 4-1-4 in SLC action, while UTRGV falls to 4-10-2 overall and 2-6-1 against SLC opponents.
 
Based on results around the Southland on Thursday, East Texas A&M heads into its regular season finale with a chance to win the school's first ever conference title in the Division I era in any sport. The Lions need to win next Thursday's match and need Northwestern State to lose to clinch a share of the SLC title.
 
The win on Thursday secured a berth into the conference tournament for East Texas A&M, who is currently tied for second with SFA. The Lions won over the Lumberjacks on October 9, thus holding the tiebreaker.
 
There were a combined 12 shots, including four on goal in the first half, but neither side was able to get a ball into the back of the net.
 
The Lions were awarded a free kick on their side of the field in the 64^th minute, which was taken by Malaya Ring (Dana Point, Calif.). Ring kicked into the box and Flores (McKinney – Boyd) was there near the goal to clear the ball into the back of the net and put the Lions ahead. It was the first collegiate goal for Flores.

LIONS GOAL!! Elaina Flores scores from near goal and the Lions have the lead! #HailET pic.twitter.com/z5r5hpefwV

— East Texas A&M Soccer (@Lion_WSOC) October 24, 2025

ELAINA FLORES GOAL HIGHLIGHT
 
UTRGV had 15 shots in the second half, though only four ended on goal, with all four saved by Gillian McKenzie (Mesquite Horn), who had six saves in the match, picking up the complete-match shutout. UTRGV's Emilia Compian recorded four saves in goal.
 

POST MATCH INTERVIEW
 
UP NEXT
The Lions host HCU next Thursday at 6:30 p.m. as they look to win their first conference title in the Division I era. Tickets can be purchased at LionAthletics.com/tickets.