LAREDO, Texas - Midwestern State hadn't faced much adversity as the only undefeated team in NCAA Division II men's soccer through its first six matches.

The Mustangs certainly got their fill of it Friday night as two quick trigger ejections forced MSU to play two men down for the better part of the second half at Dustdevil Field.

Fortunately, Nathan Fitzgerald and David Freeland gave Midwestern all the breathing room it needed as the Mustangs choked out Texas A&M International for a 2-0 result to improve to 7-0.

"I've never coached or been a part of a game that has been so crazy," MSU coach Doug Elder said. "We played with no forwards for the last 30 minutes after scoring with 10 men. I'm really proud of the guys for buckling down."

Junior outside back Dean Lovegrove drew his second caution in the 52nd minute shortly before Bryce Taylor and Freeland worked a counter to push the MSU advantage to 2-0 in the 58th minute.

The Mustangs didn't get much time to celebrate and had their work load increased when Chad Caldwell was mysteriously sent off just minutes later.

"When we got a guy ejected, we stepped it up and played aggressively," Elder said. "We've had very few ejections in my 11 years and then got two in the same night. I was impressed to get the shutout with nine guys."

Impressed, but maybe not surprised as the game denigrated into a Monday afternoon practice drill.

"We do this drill where we work at just keeping our shape without ever going forward," Elder said. "We think that it isn't very realistic, but that's what we did tonight."

The Mustangs limited the Dustdevils to just eight shots, while MSU keeper Raul Herrera earned his third shout of the season by making three saves despite Texas A&M International playing with a two-man advantage.

"It would be hard to not credit the effort of Nathan Fitzgerald tonight," Elder said. "He was scrambling and seemed to be everywhere."

Fitzgerald gave the Mustangs a 1-0 advantage in the 31st minute after taking a quick pass from VcMor Eligwe, who collected a rebound off of the TAMIU keeper from a deep shot from Lovegrove.

"We've done a really good job of following shots," Elder said. "It's just another great example of working hard. I'm really proud of the guys tonight."

Midwestern State continues its road swing against St. Mary's Sunday afternoon in San Antonio. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.