WICHITA FALLS, Texas – Midwestern State once again showed its resiliency Wednesday night at the MSU Soccer Field.

Down 1-0 for the second-straight conference match, the Mustangs got a late goal before intermission before freshman Kendra Clemons recorded her first collegiate goal in the 87th minute go give MSU a 2-1 win over upstart Abilene Christian.

"I have a lot of respect for them," MSU coach Jeff Trimble said. "They are great for a first-year team. They are smart and do all the right things."

Abilene Christian, which is 6-7 overall and 1-3 in the Lone Star Conference, jumped on the Mustangs with a goal in the sixth minute as sophomore Jordan Reese beat the MSU defense to a through ball and deposited in the lower right corner of the net to give the Wildcats a 1-0 advantage.

Midwestern State would outshoot the Wildcats 16-4 the remainder of the half, but didn't see a solid opportunity into the closing seconds of the half.

The Mustangs scrambled for a corner opportunity with 15 seconds remaining in the opening period with Kari Bristow serving a ball to the near post.

Freshman Ashli Smith was able to control the loose ball and knee a pass to Amy Smith, who beat Abilene Christian keeper Allison Egan to knot the game 1-1 at intermission.

"It's another reminder that you have keep working until the end and not get discouraged," Trimble said.

Midwestern State was in a similar situation a week ago at Southwestern Oklahoma State when they went to the half trailing the Bulldogs 1-0.

Ashli Smith and Kendra Clemons played a central role in providing the equalizer before freshman Brandy O'Neal netted the game winner in the 85th minute.

Flash forward a week, and once again, it was Smith and Clemons playing key roles in the Mustangs comeback against Abilene Christian.

Clemons took advantage when the ACU defense failed to control Brittany Subia's serve from the corner, then blasted a shot in from the top of the box to allow the Mustangs to improve to 7-2-2 on the season and 3-1 in conference play.

"It's getting harder and harder to get wins in this league," Trimble said. "I'm proud of the girls for battling to the end."

Midwestern State is in the midst of a five-game homestand which continues Fri., Oct. 12 against Texas A&M-Commerce.