WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State (13-3-3, 8-2-0) secured a 2-0 victory over University of Texas at Tyler (8-8-3, 5-4-2) at Stang Park on Wednesday. The win marked Midwestern State's ninth consecutive triumph over UT Tyler, and the Mustangs won the won the LSC Men's Soccer Championship semifinal for the seventh straight year.
The first half began with Midwestern State establishing early pressure.
Cooper Tea, who scored his fifth goal of the season in this game, tested UT Tyler's goalkeeper Niclas Becker in the fourth minute, but his shot was saved.
Ethan Krchnak then followed up with an attempt that led to an early corner kick, maintaining the home team's momentum.
MSU continued to press, with
Parker Plaxco's effort saved in the 14th minute. Defensively,
Jake Morris made a crucial save against Tony Ngombi's attempt in the 22nd minute, keeping the score level. Despite several opportunities, both teams entered halftime with the score at 0-0.
The second half began with the Mustangs seizing control, as
Cooper Tea scored the opening goal in the 77th minute, assisted by
Alan Rivera and
Dereck Espinal. The momentum continued for Maroon & Gold when
Cristopher Guevara extended the lead to 2-0 with his first collegiate goal just a minute later, assisted by
Parker Plaxco.
MSU's defense remained solid, with
Jake Morris making critical saves, including one in the 79th minute. Despite several fouls and a yellow card issued to
Alan Rivera, the Mustangs maintained their composure. The half ended with MSU holding a 2-0 lead over UT Tyler.
Midwestern is seeking its fifth consecutive LSC Men's Soccer Championship title and will host either St. Edward's or Lubbock Christian at noon on Saturday.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
