WICHITA FALLS, Texas — No. 9 Midwestern State Men's Soccer fell to the University of Texas at Dallas 2-0 at Stang Park on Saturday, despite outshooting their opponent 20-8.
The opening period began with Midwestern St. aggressively seeking an early advantage.
Cooper Tea and
Parker Plaxco both attempted shots within the first five minutes, though neither found the target. Midway through the period,
Liam Kervick's effort was saved by UT Dallas goalkeeper Ryder
lClaborn, maintaining the deadlock.Â
Midwestern St. continued to press, with Tea and
Dereck Espinal adding to the shot tally, but Claborn stood firm in goal. Despite multiple fouls committed by both sides, neither team managed to break through before the end of the half. The period concluded with the score level at 0-0, setting the stage for a decisive second half.
The second period began with the Mustangs conceding an early goal to the Comets' Osi Iyamah, putting the visitors ahead. Despite the setback, MSU responded with a series of offensive efforts, including shots from Tea and
Gabriel Gacovicaj, but Claborn's saves maintained UTD's lead. Shortly after the first goal, UT Dallas found a second gpal, with Evan Pustejovsky slotting home a through ball from Avery Brazzell.
The Maroon & Gold continued to press forward with multiple shots on target, including attempts by
Ethan Krchnak and Espinal, but were unable to break through Claborn's defense. The period concluded with MSU unable to find the net, ending the game 2-0 in favor of the Comets.
Jake Morris played the full 90 minutes as the goalkeeper and recorded three saves, facing eight shots on target. Espinal led the Mustangs with three shots on goal out of his four total attempts. Tea took seven shots, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts. Gacovicaj added three shots, with one on target, to the team's tally.
Claborn secured a shutout with six saves, facing 20 shots in total. Pustejovsky found the back of the net, registering two shots on goal. Iyamah scored the game-winning goal, marking his tally from three total shots, two of which were on target. Avery Brazzell provided a key assist, helping to create one of the goals.
In their next game, the Mustangs will host West Texas A&M on Saturday, Oct. 25. The match is set for 2:30 p.m. at Stang Park in Wichita Falls, Texas.
