CANYON, Texas – In a wild Lone Star Championship match with two saved penalty kicks and heated competition, No. 6 West Texas overtook Midwestern State on a free-kick goal late in the first half. The Mustangs' runner up accolade was fought until the very end in their last match of the season. Carlos Vargas, Carlos Flores, and Toi Yamaoka were named to the All-Tournament team succeeded the final whistle.
 
WT's first chance came in the sixth minute when Giancarlo Saldana's shot bounced off the crossbar. Shortly after, Trevor Amann put MSU's first shot on the board on a header that was just right of the target.
 
From then on, WTAMU was on the money for the remainder of the half. Julian Barajas shot at 23:12 was the only other attempt for the Mustangs.
 
Stefan Andjelic took a strike inside the six after Taylor Lampe made a diving save and was behind the play. Thankfully Rory O'Keeffe's head came to the rescue to knock Andjelic's try away and keep the score at nil.
 
Colby Parton made a big sliding save when a WT forward was face to face with Lampe and MSU's goal. The sophomore defender went to ground with perfect timing to knock the ball away.
 
To the Mustangs' dismay, Saldana pushed the Buffs ahead in the 43rd minute on the set piece outside of the 18-yard box. The shot sneaked into the bottom right corner away from Lampe to put the score at 1-0 at the half.
 
Midwestern State had some work to do as they notched two shots, four corners, and four saves in the first while West Texas put up ten shots, three corners, and one save.
 
Twelve seconds into the second period, MSU hit another stroke of bad luck as the referee awarded the Buffs a penalty kick. Fortunately, Lampe's heroics came quick into the second half and the PK save gave the Mustangs renewed energy. The senior goalkeeper has registered three penalty kick saves in his 5254 career minutes.
 
The game continued in heated fashion between the players as five yellow cards were handed out within a ten-minute period. Unfazed, the Midwestern State searched for the equalizer. The perfect opportunity came in the 72nd minute when a WT defender tripped Mere Escobar in the box.
 
Redshirt senior and the Mustangs usual PK taker, O'Keeffe, stepped up to the spot. With a chance to tie, Alexander Vencel mimicked Lampe by denying the defender's attempt with a diving save to the right.
 
MSU continued their hunt for a goal. Amann recorded a close attempt with 6:50 left in the match on a driven ball from the corner. Brandon Martinez Trelles also had a try on a top of the box free kick, but drove it too far right.
 
O'Keeffe, Amann and Barajas all notched two shots each to help MSU to eight total shots with three on target. West Texas ended with 12 shots and six on goal. Lampe recorded four saves in the championship while Vencel put up three.
 
Due to Covid-19, the NCAA Division II Regional and National competition for men's soccer was canceled and will continue in Fall 2021. Ergo, Midwestern State's spring season comes to an end as they claim runner up in the Lone Star Conference Championship.

Three players from MSU were honored with recognition on the Spring 2021 LSC Men's Soccer All-Tournament Team. Vargas started both tournament games and recorded a shot during the match against St. Mary's. The junior defender played 90 minutes in both games as a staple in the back line. Flores paced the Mustangs' offense all season and that continued in the post-season. The senior scored against St. Mary's and put up two shots in the game as well. Yamaoka played all 180 minutes in both tournament games for Midwestern State. The junior midfielder's passing and tackles help keep the team's tempo game after game.