FGCU forward Aron Martinez controls the ball during a match against UNF earlier this season. The Eagles picked up a 3-1 road win over Houston Christian on Wednesday. (Photo: Zachary Gibbons / The Eagle Sports Report)

HOUSTON — Opening a two-match Texas road swing, the Florida Gulf Coast University men’s soccer team (3-4-0) overcame an early deficit and played the final 29 minutes down a man to secure a 3-1 victory over Houston Christian University (2-4-1) on Wednesday night at Sorrels Field.

Breaking a 1-1 deadlock in the 28th minute, Flavio D’Angelo gathered a rebound off an Eagles’ set piece and drilled a long-range shot from outside the box into the net to give FGCU the lead for good.

“I’m proud of our team-first approach tonight,” FGCU head coach Oliver Twelvetrees told FGCU Athletics. “Everyone played their role and we played some great football, as well as showing the heart of a champion in the last 30 minutes to preserve the victory.”

Emerson LaOrden provided critical second-half insurance in the 57th minute to cushion the lead. After Ricardo Felix stepped in to pick off an off-target pass inside FGCU’s attacking half, he quickly set up LaOrden inside the 18-yard box, where the forward slipped a finish past the keeper to extend the margin to 3-1.

FGCU was forced to defend its two-goal cushion a man down starting in the 61st minute after LaOrden was sent off following a collision with the Houston Christian goalkeeper.

Despite playing a man down, the Eagles’ back line stood tall under increased pressure. FGCU goalkeeper Eduard Garcia delivered a standout performance in net, making seven saves on the night—including four in the second half as the Huskies ramped up their attack following the red card.

FGCU’s night did not start off smoothly, as Houston Christian struck just over two minutes into the match. Ryan Okerayi notched his second goal of the season at the three minute mark off an assist from Henrik Sakshaug, putting the Huskies ahead 1-0 early before the Eagles mounted their comeback.

Brooks Beeman answered for the Eagles in the 15th minute to draw FGCU level. Finishing off a cross from Felix, Beeman redirected the ball past the keeper for his third goal of the season to knot the score at 1-1.

Houston Christian outshot FGCU 15-5 on the night, including an 8-5 advantage in shots on goal. The Huskies also held a 5-1 edge in corner kicks, but the Eagles capitalized on their limited chances with high efficiency. FGCU was whistled for seven fouls to Houston Christian’s 10.

The Eagles conclude their two-match Lone Star State swing on Friday, Sept. 18, when they travel to San Antonio, Texas, to take on Incarnate Word. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.