WICHITA FALLS, Texas - Texas Wesleyan gave No. 14 Midwestern State just what it needed in its final exhibition of the season -- a little adversity.
 
But the Mustangs overcame the pressure of falling behind on its home turf to claim a 3-1 win at the MSU Soccer Field.
 
"I like the way we worked and handled some adversity," MSU coach Doug Elder said. "Texas Wesleyan played hard and aggressively. They were a little more defensive than I thought, but it was a good challenge for us."
 
The Rams put MSU behind on the scoreboard for the only time in the preseason a Victor Ordonez served a through ball to T.J. Romaguera to give TWU a 1-0 lead.
 
Midwestern quickly countered against Texas Wesleyan's 4-5-1 alignment with the equalizer just four minutes later as junior transfer Griff Stratford collected a loose ball in the box and found the open net.
 
The Mustangs went ahead in the 74th minute when TWU's Clay Lawson was whistled for a foul inside the box.
 
"That call was a little controversial," Elder said.
 
The controversy continued as MSU got a do over after Fernando Garza's penalty kick attempt appeared to be saved by Rams' goalkeeper Dejan Miloevic.
 
But Miloevic was ruled to come off of his line allowing the Mustangs a do-over which was banged in by junior midfielder B.A. Catney to give MSU a 2-1 edge.
 
The Mustangs would add another tally on an own goal in the match's final minute.
 
Midwestern opens the regular season by playing host to Texas A&M International Friday night at the MSU Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.