WICHITA, Kan. - It just didn't seem like Midwestern State's night at Wilkins Field.

Newman scored an early goal and the Mustangs just couldn't seem to catch a break.

Then an MSU goal was erased on an offside call with just eight minutes remaining in regulation.

Finally, Brandy O'Neal collected a deflected ball in the box and buried it in the 88th minute to allow Midwestern to escape the Jets' upset bid with a 1-1 draw.

"The tie isn't the greatest thing in the world," MSU coach Jeff Trimble said. "But when you are staring a defeat in the face and respond with two minutes to play... I'm just happy to get out of here with a tie."

Newman's Amanda Knabe converted a pass from Lauren Benning in the 9th minute past diving MSU keeper Ashley Meek to give the Jets a 1-0 lead.

The Mustangs, who outshot Newman 17-13 including a 9-5 edge in shots on goal, continued to press and appeared to notch the equalizer in the 83rd minute.

But Kelsey Hill was ruled offside after receiving Kari Bristow's serve off of a free kick and beating Newman keeper Christina Farid.

Bristow would get another chance in the 88th minute when her serve into the box was redirected by senior forward Katy Bristow to an open O'Neal, who scored to knot the match at 1-1.

MSU was able to place three shots on goal in the extra period but Farid, who finished the game with eight saves, turned the Mustangs away.

With the tie, Midwestern matched its best start in school history through four games by paralleling the 2004 squad's start at 3-0-1. Both teams won the first three matches of the season then tied the fourth. The '04 bunch extended the start to 4-0-1 before falling to Harding (Ark.) on Sep. 18, 2004 at the MSU Soccer Field.

The Mustangs play host to NAIA Northwood (Texas) Thursday night at the MSU Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.