WICHITA FALLS, Texas - Confidence can work wonders.
Just ask Midwestern State senior
Bryce Taylor who knocked in the first two goals to trigger an offensive deluge as the second-ranked Mustangs buried No. 10 Incarnate Word in the Lone Star Conference opener for both teams Friday night at the MSU Soccer Field.
"Last year was completely different for because I just couldn't find a way to fit into the system," the Broken Arrow, Okla. native said. "I had a good summer, worked on what I needed to and got it together."
Taylor beat the Cardinals to loose balls in the box in the ninth and 20th minutes to notch unassisted tallies that allowed the Mustangs to jump on UIW early and often.
"He was excited before the game," MSU coach
Doug Elder said. "He's a confidence player so when he's on, he's on. For him to be there is half the battle."
Taylor served as the catalyst for the Mustangs' midfield which netted the opening five goals as MSU extended its home pitch unbeaten streak to 25 matches.
Junior
Nathan Fitzgerald pushed the lead to 3-0 less than a minute after Taylor's second score when he finished
Tex McCullough's serve from the left wing in the 21st minute.
The Mustangs dominated every phase of play in the opening half as they outshot the Cardinals 16-2 including a 10-1 edge in shots on goal.
Incarnate Word was unable to convert is best and only opportunity of the opening half when MSU goalkeeper
Raul Herrera made a sprawling save to his right to stone Troy Thompson on a penalty kick in the 39th minute.
The Mustangs struck again before the half when
Casey Hibbs drilled in an indirect free kick from the top of the box for his second goal of the season to push the advantage to 4-0.
Midwestern would add goals by
Sam Broadbent and
VcMor Eligwe in the second half before Incarnate Word spoiled the shutout bid when Thompson found the back of the MSU net in the 82nd minute of play.
"This was a very, very good performance by these guys," Elder said.
The Mustangs (4-0, 1-0) take on St. Edward's (Texas) Sunday afternoon at the MSU Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
Incarnate Word dropped to 3-1.