THE RUNDOWN
LAREDO, Texas – In another physical battle against long-time foe Texas A&M International, fourth-ranked Midwestern State came away with a 2-1 victory over the Dustdevils Thursday night to remain unbeaten with its ninth-straight win.
 
Midwestern State (9-0, 5-0 HC) struck early with senior striker Scott Doney being pulled down in the box to set up a penalty kick opportunity for the Mustangs just 1:34 into the contest. Junior defender Patrick Fitzgerald converted his second penalty kick of the season and fifth of his career with a shot into the left corner to push MSU in front at 1-0.
 
In the 13th minute, sophomore midfielder Sebastian Venegas connected on his second score of the year with the eventual game winner with a strike outside the box to give the Mustangs some cushion at 2-0.
 
Midway through the first half, Texas A&M International's (3-2-2, 2-2-1 HC) Jovany Carlino sent a shot past senior keeper Richard Goss to cut the MSU advantage in half in the 25th minute. The goal was just the third score allowed by the Mustangs defense this season.
 
In the second half, Goss collected three of his four saves to keep the Dustdevils from recording the equalizer to earn his eighth win of the season.
 
NOTES
- Midwestern State's 9-0 start is the third best in the program's 46 years
- The Mustangs improved to 14-0-2 in the all-time series against Texas A&M International with MSU outscoring the Dustdevils 32-5
- Sebastian Venegas' game winner was just the second of his career after lifting MSU to a 1-0 win at Dallas Baptist on Oct. 22, 2016
- TAMIU led 16-14 in shots while the Mustangs held a 6-5 edge in shots on goal
 
QUOTE OF THE MATCH
"Patrick (Fitzgerald) smashed a kick into the left corner and Sebastian (Venegas) scored a great shot on goal to gain us some life and get momentum early on. It allowed us to weather the storm. I knew it was going to be a grind, it's always tough to play on the road. We came out and played really well in the first 20 minutes." – Head coach Doug Elder
 
UP NEXT
Midwestern State continues its trek through South Texas as the Mustangs close out their road trip Saturday against St. Mary's at Sigma Beta Chi Field in San Antonio. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.