WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State University (15-3-3) secured a 1-0 victory over Seattle Pacific University (12-5-4) on Saturday at Stang Park. The decisive goal came from
Parker Plaxco with 15 seconds remaining in overtime. The Mustangs put on a dominant display and finished with a program postseason record 34 shots, including 12 on target.
Plaxco scored his team-leading 12th goal of the season and his fifth game-winning goal of the year for the No. 4-seeded Mustangs.
The match began with MSU displaying an aggressive approach, creating multiple opportunities early on.
Dereck Espinal had several attempts, including a notable shot in the 18th minute that was saved by Seattle Pacific's goalkeeper, Brian Lanier.
Liam Pritchard also tested Lanier with a shot on goal in the 10th minute.
Despite dominating possession and outshooting fifth-seeded Seattle Pacific, MSU was unable to find the back of the net. The half concluded with the score tied at 0-0, as both teams headed into the break looking for a breakthrough.
The second half began with the Maroon & Gold applying pressure early, with
Italo Rodriguez's shot saved by Seattle Pacific's goalkeeper, Lanier.
Gabriel Gacovicaj and
Sune Espevoll continued the offensive push, but their attempts went off target.
Jake Morris made crucial saves to deny JJ Diaz and JP Guzman, maintaining the scoreline.
As the half progressed, MSU sustained their offensive efforts with
Parker Plaxco and Pritchard testing the opposition's defense, but the shots were either saved or narrowly missed. A corner kick opportunity at the 65th minute further underscored their attacking intensity, yet it did not result in a breakthrough.
In the closing stages, the Mustangs continued to press forward, with Espinal and
Cooper Tea adding shots on goal. Despite their persistence, the half concluded without either team finding the back of the net, maintaining a scoreless draw.
The overtime period began with both teams seeking to break the deadlock. Midwestern State generated early opportunities, with Tea taking a shot shortly after the period started.
Cristopher Guevara added pressure with a shot that led to a corner kick in the 95th minute. Both teams committed fouls, interrupting the flow of play.
As the overtime progressed, the Mustangs continued to press, with Espinal hitting the top woodwork in the 98th minute, followed by a shot from Plaxco. Despite these efforts, neither team managed to find the net, and the period concluded with the score remaining level.
The second overtime period began with both teams vying for the decisive breakthrough. MSU applied early pressure, with
Alan Rivera testing Seattle Pacific's goalkeeper, Lanier, twice in the first six minutes. Despite Rivera's efforts, it was Plaxco who finally found the back of the net, scoring in the 110th minute with an assist from Pritchard. The Maroon & Gold secured the victory, ending the match 1-0.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
