TYLER - The UT Tyler Patriots extended their season into the second round of the 2011 NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Championships after defeating Oglethorpe, 3-0, in first-round action Thursday night at Citizens 1st Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex.

On a clear and cold night, Jesus Morteo and Chris Powell scored first-half goals to lead the Patriots (16-2-2) to an opening-round victory. Victor Almendariz added an insurance goal for UT Tyler in the 89th minute.

The No. 24 Patriots advance to the second round of the tournament where they will face the seventh-ranked Trinity in San Antonio on Sunday.

Oglethorpe, which made its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament after winning the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference championship, finished the season with a record of 17-4.

UT Tyler goalkeeper Sergio Gardea made four saves en route to his 11th shutout of the season.

Though the Stormy Petrels controlled the time of possession in the first half, it was the Patriots who were able to create scoring chances for themselves. UT Tyler claimed a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute when a save by OU goalie Frank Petersen rebounded to Jesus Morteo, who placed a hard shot into the net from eight yards out.

Chris Powell - who set up the first goal with the initial shot that was deflected by Petersen - gave the Patriots breathing room and took the wind out of Oglethorpe's sails with a 22-yard strike seconds from halftime.

With a comfortable lead, the Patriots were able to control the pace of the game during the second half and kept Oglethorpe from gaining any momentum on offense.

Almendariz added the exclamation point late in the second half when the Patriots broke free for a three-on-one chance and scored an easy goal off a pass from Elijah Shipman.

The Patriots return to action Sunday when they travel to San Antonio to face Trinity, which received a first-round bye in the NCAA Tournament. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.