LAREDO, Texas -- Despite being a man up for more than half Sunday afternoon at the Dustdevil Soccer Field, Midwestern State had to battle for a 1-0 result over Texas A&M International.
 
"It didn't faze them," MSU coach Doug Elder said. "They played very hard and cut off our attack out wide. They played very hard with 10 men. They were ready to play."
 
TAMIU junior defender Jonathan Saldena earned booking in the 6th minute after scuffling with MSU junior forward Len Smith, who would go to the bench until late in the second half.
 
Saldena, however, remained on the field to draw an ejection in the 33rd minute giving the Mustangs a man advantage for the remaining 57 minutes of play.
 
"We looked a little lethargic and tired, but we played really good defense," Elder said "We cleared the ball and really got back."
 
Smith returned to the game for the final 15 minutes to provide the difference when he chipped in a cross from 6 yards out in the 80th minute.
 
"For the playing time he got, it wasn't bad at all (to get a goal)," Elder said. "Lenny has played really well of late."
 
Smith has tallied a goal in four straight games and produced in each of his five to lead the Mustangs with five goals and an assist.
 
Despite playing a man down, the Dustdevils produced an 11-8 shot edge, but MSU sophomore goalkeeper Nick Petolick made four saves to notch his third consecutive clean sheet.
 
"Nick did really well today. He made a few great saves today which really helped us today," Elder said. "We'll take the win. It wasn't our best game. The travel down here makes it kinda like jet lag."
 
Midwestern State continues its four-game road swing Saturday against No. 5 West Texas A&M in Canyon. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m.