Late goals put Mustangs ahead

The Midwestern State Mustangs edged intriguing victories against Northeastern State and Newman University to maintain their unbeaten home run.
David Freeland set the Mustangs on their way when he smashed in the through ball he received from Chris Dwyer.
Dwyer dribbled past the RiverHawks’ midfield and defense then, with excellent display of footwork, sent a pass to Freeland for a stunning fifth-minute opener.
Then two minutes later, Midfielder Dean Lovegrove produced a right-footed effort in attempt to double the lead but Northeastern State Jordan Ladbrooke stopped the shot.
Lovegrove then sent a corner kick ball into the box for Skipper Ryan Spence to send harmlessly wide.
Goalkeeper Michael Wood made his first contribution to the Friday night battle by saving NSU Bo White’s threatening shot.
Then in the 31st minute, NSU Henry Wildenborg scored his third of the season with a deflected shot from inches outside the box.
The equalizer must have steered a greater contest as both teams kept the ball moving more than usual.
After a rough first half struggle, the Mustangs returned for the second period with victory on their mind.
But the Mustangs did not claim a second half goal and neither did the RiverHawks. The game consisted of endless goal attempts as well as saves.
Dwyer and Casey Hibbs sent shots in the 49th minute but were blocked by Ladbrooke. Wood made an hour mark save to block NSU Juan Gonzalez’s shot.
VcMor Eligwe came in for Dwyer and headed a shot on goal within two minutes of play. But the sophomore forward was denied as Northeastern proved more obstinate with time.
Eventually, the RiverHawks’ stubborn display was undone by a phenomenal golden goal in extra time.
After assisting the first goal, Dwyer felt a winning goal would enhance his repertoire. The winning goal came with less than a minute of extra-time play, just when the Mustangs needed it the most.
Fellow Englishman Lovegrove floated an air ball for Dwyer to tuck in a perfectly placed header.
Head Soccer Coach Doug Elder commented on his team’s performance.
“We played two tough games  and came out with two wins,” Elder said. “Both teams played  defensively on Friday.”
The Mustangs went ahead to defeat Newman University after Freeland took advantage of the visiting goalkeeper’s mistake.
With barely five minutes left on the clock, Dwyer assisted his fellow striker with a through ball for his fourth goal of the season.
“Freeland and Dwyer did great in scoring goals,” Elder added. “They stayed up tight, that’s what they are there for.”
NSU had a few minutes to make an impression but tactical changes by Elder instilled frustration in the RiverHawks’ offense.
Wood, who controlled the defense, noticed a great improvement.
“We had a few weeks were we didn’t play well as a team defensively,” he said. “But it looks like we are beginning to play like we should.”
The Mustangs celebrated both wins, preparing their minds for Homecoming weekend games against two good teams.
“We need to be firing on all cyclinders for this weekend against Incarnate & St. Edwards,” Wood added. “We just have to keep doing our jobs, take chances and outwork our opponents.”
Midwestern State will host Incarnate Word and St. Edwards this weekend at the Mustangs soccer field for Homecoming.