DENTON, Texas – Midwestern State takes the pitch on Thursday night against Texas Woman's University in the Lone Star Conference opener. It's the first game for the Mustangs since September 17. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. from Pioneer Soccer Park in Denton, Texas.
 
SERIES HISTORY
MSU Texas has posted a 14-7-5 mark against fellow Lone Star Conference member Texas Woman's University. However, the Mustangs went winless in last season's three meetings (0-1-2).
 
CARVAJAL'S CANNON
Although Valentina Carvajal has not found the back of the net this season, the junior leads the team in shots (11) and is second on the team with five shots on goal. She has recorded at least two shots in all but one game.
 
STUCK IN NEUTRAL
After a season opening win over New Mexico Highlands, the Mustangs have gone winless over their last four games (0-3-1). MSU has also failed to score more than one goal in a game since the season opener.
 
SPENDING TIME WITH SPENCE
Ryan Spence opened his second season as the Head Coach of the Midwestern State Women's Soccer team with a 3-2 overtime win over New Mexico Highlands on September 6. In his first year in charge, the Mustangs finished 2-13-3 and 1-9-2 in Lone Star Conference action, earning a trip to the quarterfinals in the LSC Postseason Tournament.
 
SCOUTING THE PIONEERS
At 4-1, Texas Woman's University is off to their best five-game start since also starting 4-1 in 2016. Last time out, the Pioneers slipped past Concordia (Oregon), 2-1. Haley Ward has been a force for TWU, leading the squad in goals (3), points (7), shots, (17), and shots on goal (5). In net, Daniela Marin has posted a stellar 0.83 goals against average. The senior has allowed four goals, while facing 68 shots (30 saves).
 
UP NEXT
A trip to Dallas on Saturday to meet Dallas Baptist in a Lone Star Conference showdown. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.