CANYON, Texas -- Midwestern State junior
Andrew Power volleyed in a serve from 8 yards out in the 97th minute to lift the Mustangs to a 1-0 win over No. 12-ranked West Texas A&M in overtime Saturday night at The Pitch.
"It was a good game for us," MSU coach
Doug Elder said. "We hung in there and we were able to get the better of them in the second half. We were definitely fortunate to get out of here with a win."
It was the fourth straight win for Midwestern which improved to 5-3 on the season and to 3-0 on the road this season.
The Mustangs notched their fourth consecutive clean sheet with sophomore
Nick Petolick in between the posts. The transfer from Oral Roberts finished with a season-high nine saves with seven of those coming prior to intermission.
"They really took it to us in the first half, but we were able to weather the storm," Elder said. "They were able to get their shots on frame, but mostly from 25-30 yards out. Nick didn't have to dive for any of the saves."
Midwestern recorded from an 11-3 shot deficit in the opening half to control the run of play in the final period by a 9-3 margin and it took a diving save from WT goalkeeper Garrett Cooper of Idi Camara's serve on a free kick in the closing minutes to push the match into overtime.
"In the second half, we put an extra midfielder in and we were able to match up with them," Elder said. "Their energy dropped a bit and we were able to take control and get more opportunities."
Senior midfielder
B.A. Catney chested down a cross into the box to Power, who let it bounce once before pounding into the net for the lone score of the match.
"We played the second half with a lot of intensity. I was happy that we were able to ride out the storm," Elder said.
West Texas A&M suffered its second loss over its last three matches to drop to 7-2 on the season.
Midwestern State continues on the road to take on Eastern New Mexico Monday afternoon in Portales. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
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