EDMOND, Okla. — No. 22 Midwestern State (7-2-3, 3-1-0) secured a 2-0 victory over Okla. Christian (3-5-1, 1-3-0) at Eagle Soccer Field, backed by a strong defensive performance that included a shutout by the Mustangs' goalkeeper.
The first half saw Midwestern State establish an early lead against Oklahoma Christian with a goal by
Alan Rivera in the 11th minute. Rivera gained possession after a
Liam Kervick flick, shooting from distance to catch the goalkeeper out. The Maroon & Gold extended their advantage when
Dereck Espinal scored in the 32nd minute, making it 2-0. Espinal's rocket of a strike came from over 25-yards away, finding open space after a
Jarrod McKechnie pass. Oklahoma Christian's defense was tested as goalkeeper Nick Hardiman recorded multiple saves, including shots from
Parker Plaxco and
Cooper Tea. OC's offensive attempts, featuring shots by Jorge Blanc and Ethan Nakolo, were thwarted by MSU's goalkeeper
Jake Morris, who made crucial saves to maintain the visitor's clean sheet through the first half.
Early in the second half, the Eagles' Luis Alvis had an opportunity in the 49th minute, but his shot went wide. The Mustangs'
Cooper Tea and
Liam Pritchard each tested the Eagles' defense with shots, with Pritchard's attempt saved by goalkeeper Nick Hardiman in the 70th minute. MSU continued to press with multiple corner kicks and shots, including efforts from
Cristopher Guevara and
Gabriel Gacovicaj, both saved by OC's defense. The match concluded without any goals in the second half, maintaining the Maroon & Gold's 2-0 lead.
Espinal scored one goal, leading the Mustangs' attack with three shots.
Alan Rivera netted the game-winning goal and achieved a perfect shooting percentage with one goal on one shot.
Jake Morris, in goal, recorded a shutout with four saves across 90 minutes.
Ethan Nakolo led the Eagles with three shots, two of which were on goal. Nick Hardiman, in goal, made four saves across 75 minutes, facing 10 shots and conceding two goals. Carter Higgins contributed in goal with two saves during his 14 minutes of play while facing three shots. Tyler Ackah-Wheatcroft and Alejandro Gomez each managed a shot, with Ackah-Wheatcroft's being on target.
The next challenge for the Mustangs takes them on the road to face DBU. The match is set for October 15 at 7 p.m. at Patriot Soccer Field in Dallas, Texas.
