AUSTIN, Texas – A sensational start and another strong defensive performance spelled doom for St. Edward's Thursday afternoon as No. 2 Midwestern State shut down the Hilltoppers for a 2-0 win at the St. Edward's Soccer Field.

Midwestern (12-1) scored 88 seconds into the match when Kyle Kmiec served a cross to the near post after making a run down the right wing.

Senior forward Daniel Brown struck it out of the air for a one-timer past St. Edward's goalkeeper Chris Sanders to give the Mustangs the early advantage.

MSU limited the Hilltoppers to two shots on goal, but was unable to extend the lead before intermission despite creating opportunities.

"We weren't as intense and really didn't play our best today," MSU coach Doug Elder said. "Offensively, we had a few chances to put them away in the first half, but we didn't."

Brown finally delivered the knockout blow with his 16th goal of the season in the 78th minute when his 25-yard shot hit some rough turf and bounded over the keeper's head to give the Mustangs a 2-0 advantage.

Senior keeper Jeremy Turner went the distance to claim his second shutout of the year to improve to 9-1 as he organized a defensive effort that only required him to make a pair of saves. It was Midwestern's eighth shutout of the season.

The win extended the Mustangs' winning streak to nine matches with five of the last six coming on the road.

"I think we're getting a little burned out of traveling," Elder said. "We do have to play better on Saturday to beat Incarnate Word. We'll have our work cut out for us then."

The Cardinals dealt the MSU its lone loss of the season last month when they claimed a 1-0 result at the MSU Soccer Field.

"There's probably a little extra pressure being ranked No. 2," Elder said. "I told the guys, 'It's not how you start, but it's how you finish.' There's still a lot of soccer left to play."

Midwestern State squares off with Incarnate Word Saturday afternoon at Cardinals Field in San Antonio. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.