WICHITA FALLS, Texas — In a tightly contested match at Stang Park, St. Edward's (3-3-2, 1-0-0) rallied in the second half to secure a 2-1 victory over the Mustangs (4-2-3, 0-1-0) on Wednesday night. Christian Mezas scored the game-winning goal in the waning seconds to snap a three-match losing streak for the Hilltoppers.
The first half commenced with Midwestern State gaining an early advantage over St. Edward's.
Cooper Tea opened the scoring for the Mustangs in the 10th minute, giving the home team a 1-0 lead. Despite several attempts by the Hilltoppers to even the score, including a shot by Irvin Abarca, the Maroon & Gold's defense remained resilient.
Throughout the half, MSU maintained pressure, with
Italo Rodriguez and
Liam Pritchard both registering shots that tested the Hilltoppers' defense. The half closed with the Mustangs holding a 1-0 lead.
The second half began with St. Edward's maintaining offensive pressure. Midwestern's goalkeeper
Jake Morris was tested early but managed to keep the game level with key saves, including attempts from Mezas and Bartek Zabek. However, St. Edward's took the lead in the 53rd minute when Matthew Devaney scored, assisted by Mezas.
The Mustangs responded with increased attacking efforts, highlighted by shots from
Alan Rivera and
Jaime Villagomez. Despite these attempts, the Hilltoppers' goalkeeper Kaleo Francis kept the home team at bay.
Midwestern State continued to press forward, but a goal by Mezas just six seconds from full time secured a victory in the conference opener for St. Edward's.
Game Notes:
- This victory was just the fourth for St. Edward's in 25 visits to Stang Park.
- The Hilltoppers achieved their second win in the last three meetings against Midwestern State.
- Midwestern State is 1-2-1 at home this season.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
