MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - St. Thomas (3-3, TSC 1-0) opened up conference play in the best possible way; they defeated the Savannah College of Art and Design (4-4-1, TSC 0-1) 2-1.  Victor Cortez was today's standout player, coming up with the game's two most critical plays.  Cortez would score the equalizer and provide the assist on the game-winner.  Jiayi Wang was solid in his debut, and secured the first victory of his St. Thomas career.

The Bobcats controlled the time of possession throughout the first half and outshot the Bees 9-2.  Unfortunately, none of those opportunities netted St. Thomas any points.  Both teams headed into the half scoreless.  The second half provide more excitement, with both teams capitalizing on the opposing team's defensive miscues.  SCAD would be first in the 66th minute, with the Bees' Naim El-Harriti squeezing the ball through a slew of Bobcat defenders to Jordan Trice-Lyne, who finished with the header.  A minute later, Cortez would dribble pass a number of SCAD defenders and notch the equalizer from about 15 yards out.  Cortez would again prove significant in the 83rd minute, when he found Kris Wilkinson off the free kick for the Bobcats first lead of the contest.  Some stout defense coupled with some savy clock management would seal the Bees' fate, as the Bobcats would walk away with their first conference victory.

The Bobcats return to the pitch on Sunday, when they continue conference play against Thomas (Ga.).  Kick-off is set for 3 P.M. E.T.