WICHITA FALLS, Texas - The numbers on the scoreboard greatly favored No. 18 Midwestern State Friday night at the MSU Soccer Field.
The Mustangs owned 8-3 shots on goal and earned a 14-1 edge over Texas A&M International, but the Dustdevils fourth through 110 minutes to earn a scoreless draw in the non-conference matchup.
"I thought we were the better team tonight, but doesn't really matter," MSU coach
Doug Elder said. "We just couldn't hit any shots. If we can't put the ball on frame, we can't win."
The Mustangs (6-1-2) blasted away at Texas A&M International goalkeeper Luis Rincon, but the senior 5-1 keeper stood tall to make eight saves as the Mustangs outshot the Dustdevils 31-5.
Texas A&M International also tied for the second time this season to go to 2-3-2.
"They are better than their record and they came in here and played hard," Elder said. "Soccer is just like that. You can outshoot a team, but that doesn't mean you win."
The Mustangs obviously had plenty of chances, but struggled with the ball in the air throughout much of the match.
Sophomore midfielder
Nathan Fitzgerald won the ball in the air on MSU's 10th corner kick in the 70th minute and sent the deflection to
Tyler Murphy, who put a shot right into a TAMIU defender's chest.
Five minutes later,
Kyle Kmiec earned a turnover in the Mustangs' offensive third, but couldn't connect on a cross to an open
Tex McCullough.
Outside of Rincon's saves, the Dustdevils also save two others off of the touchline.
But as fortunate as it seemed Texas A&M International was at times, the Mustangs defense was also up to the challenge much of the night.
When they weren't junior keeper
Raul Herrera proved plenty capable of bailing them out.
He stoned Oscar Suvais on one-on-one breakaways in the 19th and 92nd minute to keep the Mustangs in the contest.
"He's really saving us right now, but it shouldn't come down to that," Elder said. "We just can't afford to let people get behind us like that."
The shutout was MSU's sixth-straight and is the second longest stretch in school history.
The Mustangs also extended their home field unbeaten streak to 15 games dating back to the 2007 season.
MSU plays host to Incarnate Word Friday night at the MSU Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m.