AUSTIN, Texas -- No. 16 St. Edward's struck for two first-half goals and held on for a 3-1 win over 13th-ranked Midwestern State Saturday afternoon at Lewis-Chan Family Field.
 
The loss snapped an 11-match unbeaten streak for the Mustangs, who dropped to 9-2-2 on the season.
 
"We came out flat and they came out buzzing and pushing forward," MSU coach Doug Elder said. "We talked all night last night about tracking runners. They are really good on crosses."
 
St. Edward's didn't waste any time firing the first salvo as senior striker Daniel Riley settled a crossing pass from Coleton Stymiest less than three minutes into the contest to give Hilltoppers the early advantage.
 
SEU doubled its advantage in the 22nd minute when senior midfielder Andrew Fox headed in his ninth tally of the campaign on a cross from sophomore Nate Coons.
 
The two-goal chasm on the scoreboard was much wider than the different on the field as the Hilltoppers controlled a narrow 5-4 edge in shots.
 
Senior midfielder Andrew Power appeared to have drawn the Mustangs back to within a goal with 10 minutes remaining in the opening half, but the tally was waved off. That was after redshirt-freshman Laurence Chamberlain produced two great scoring chances which just didn't work out.
 
"Andrew turned and hit it and got pummeled by the goalkeeper on a corner kick," Elder said. "That would have given us some great momentum and the possibility to pull even before halftime."
 
The gap wouldn't get any wider in the second half and Midwestern State looked to be the aggressor holding a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks.
 
MSU junior forward Albert Rodriguez put the Mustangs within striking distance by depositing his third goal of the season on an unassisted blast from 20 yards out in the 60th minute.
 
"You have to give the guys credit for fighting through," Elder said."I thought we had a little let down after we scored. We had a bit of a lull and they were able to get some possession to get momentum."
 
The Hilltoppers put the game away on Sam Burns' first goal of the season in the 83rd minute.
 
St. Edward's extended its winning streak to five games while improving its unbeaten streak to 10 to move to 10-2-1.
 
Midwestern State plays host to Southwestern Christian (Okla.) Tuesday night at the MSU Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.