GUNNISON, Colorado -- Midwestern State's
Lillia Besedin and
Lexi Beck scored second-half goals to lift the Mustangs to a 2-1 win over Western Colorado Sunday afternoon at Katy O. Rady Field.
The win is the first of the season for Midwestern State, which leveled its record at 1-1-2. The Mountaineers dropped to 0-3-1.
Besedin delivered the equalizer in the 54th minute when she chested in a cross served in to the near post by fellow frosh
McKenna Jenkins to knot the match at 1-1.
Beck set up the play with a serve down the left attacking channel, allowing Jenkins to deliver the ball into the goal area for Besedin's first collegiate goal.
Midwestern State continued to put pressure on the Mountaineers before finally taking its first lead of the match and the season in the 87th minute.
The Mustangs appeared to miss out on a pair of golden opportunities in front of the goal as Jenkins and senior
Janae Sanchez had point-blank shots blocked by a Western Colorado defender.
The ball bounded out to the right side of the penalty area to Beck, who was bumped to the turf from behind by CWU reserve defender Gracie Lyman.
The junior from Fort Worth calmly converted the first penalty kick of her career, beating CWU goalkeeper Mei Hayashizaki to the side netting on the left side of the goal for the game winner.
Western Colorado struck for the opener in the 19th minute when Natsuki Murakami placed a right-footed blast from 28 yards just under the crossbar to give the Mountaineers a 1-0 lead heading into intermission.
Midwestern State dominated statistically, controlling a 19-7 advantage in shots, including five shots by
Isabella Cruz and four by Besedin. The Mustangs placed 10 shots on frame.
MSU takes on Oklahoma Baptist Wednesday night at Stang Park. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
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-- MSUMustangs.com --