GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- Midwestern State faced its first bit of adversity Sunday afternoon falling to Fort Lewis (Colo.) 2-0 at Walker Field on the Colorado Mesa campus.
 
The Skyhawks jumped out to a quick lead in the game's third minute, but MSU coach Jeff Trimble liked the way the team responded as MSU evened its mark to 1-1 on the young season.
 
"The first goal hurt and we struggled a little bit," he said. "I was proud of the girls because it didn't seem to affect them. We were able establish some possession to gain momentum in the opening half."
 
The Mustangs seemed to be on the brink of breaking through in the second half as sophomore forward Ashley Cottrell was a touch away from converting a breakaway opportunity in the opening minute of the second half.
 
Then in the 70th minute, sophomore Morgan Hannon broke free at the top of the box and launched a quality shot that glanced off of the outstretched hand of FLC goalkeeper Caitlyn Espinoza before spinning off of the cross bar.
 
"We played very well in the midfield and built up a pretty good attack, but the final pass seemed to break down in the offensive third," Trimble said. "We just didn't make the right decision in our offensive third. We're still trying to get used to playing together, but we displayed good skill. We just need to get better with our attack."
 
The Skyhawks tacked on the put away goal in the 84th minute as Emma Cannis notched her first goal of the season off of a cross served by Jordan Hix, who also assisted on Therese Romero's tally in the opening minutes of the match.
 
"We were pushed up trying to go forward," Trimble said. "They countered, crossed it in from the left wing and (Cannis) flicked it into the net."
 
The goal soiled a great effort by MSU keeper Kallie Essary, who made a career-high six saves including three in a clutch one-on-one situations.
 
Midwestern battles Abilene Christian in its home opener Tuesday night at the MSU Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.