Owensboro, Ky. – The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College men's soccer team exploded offensively Thursday night, earning a decisive 5–2 road victory at Brescia (Ky.) to secure a home match in the upcoming River States Conference Tournament.

Sophomore forward Andoni Ybanez recorded a hat trick and five shots on goal to pace the Pomeroys (7-9-1, 5-2-1 RSC) in one of their strongest attacking displays of the season.

SMWC jumped out to a quick 2–0 lead within the first four minutes. Ivan Gelado Chavala netted the opener just 1:40 into the match off a pass from Santiago Abraham, and Ybanez followed with a goal less than two minutes later assisted by Ethan Johnson. Brescia responded with two goals before halftime, but the Pomeroys dominated the second half behind Ybanez's relentless play.

Ybanez struck again in the 53rd minute from an Andre Gomes assist and later completed the hat trick in the 78th minute, once again off a setup from Abraham. Franco Mauri added an insurance goal in the 74th minute, assisted by Gelado Chavala.

The Pomeroys outshot Brescia 17–7, including 11 on goal, and controlled possession with a 7–3 advantage in corner kicks. Goalkeeper Harry Jackson made two saves in the win.

Along with Ybanez's standout performance, Gelado Chavala and Mauri each tallied a goal and an assist, while Abraham led the team with two assists.

With the victory, SMWC solidifies a home fixture in the River States Conference Tournament and continues to build momentum entering postseason play.

The Pomeroys will wrap up their regular season on Saturday, November 1, hosting West Virginia Tech at 3:30 p.m. (ET) at the SMWC Soccer Field.