The Midwestern State Mustangs took their time in silencing the University of Incarnate Word in a 3-0 wrangle Friday night.
MSU had lost to the No. 4 Cardinals at their home field so vengeance went through the Mustangs’ minds and the stands were packed with enthusiastic fans.
The Cardinals worked their way to MSU’s penalty area but the Mustangs’ defense got the better of the guests. Even the fast forwards and wingers of UIW caught a goose egg.
In spite of the intensity and tempo of the first half, no goals were conceded. But the goalkeepers had to deal with shots and attempts which the offense forced to make up for a scoreless half.
Junior David Freeland sent three shots towards the Cardinal’s defense but the forward was denied in succession. Sophomore B.A Catney nodded in a clever ball but UIW Chris Fidler was there to stop it.
Goalkeeper Michael Wood was substituted out for an injury after 41 minutes of great defense control.
The second half began and the Mustangs had their eye on victory. It took a while but the 68th minute wonder goal gave MSU the lead and brought the fans off their feet.
Midfielder Sam Broadbent received a high pass from Nathan Fitzgerald then, with a little angle to work with, tucked the opener to the top corner.
“My intention was to get the ball into the box and cause some problems. The defender was closing me down so I volleyed the ball on the turn, when I saw it go over the keepers head I knew it was in,” Broadbent said. “To be honest I was surprised but ecstatic it went in.”
That was game on; the Mustangs felt they could do better after getting on the scoreboard first. That mindset almost led to a 75th minute doubler.
UIW James Nero picked up a yellow card after an infringement in the box and MSU was subsequently awarded a penalty. Midfielder Dean Lovegrove sent the PK wide left but the Mustangs kept their heads up.
Five minutes later, Chris Dwyer scored his eighth goal of the season with an assist from Freeland and Fernando Garza. The Mustangs worked their way through the box and then through the goal.
The Mustangs could have played strictly defense for the remainder of the game but astounded the home supporters with a third goal was another way to go.
Zach Funk was the man chosen for the task of burying the Cardinals. Fitzgerald and Broadbent were at the right positions to help Funk score his second of the season.
“The whole team performance was very good Friday night,” Broadbent added. “We all came together to get the win.”
After Friday’s outstanding performance, the Mustangs hosted the Hilltoppers of St. Edwards University in disappointing goalless contest.
Even though the Mustangs had defeated their hosts in an earlier encounter, both teams had to settle for a frustrating tie.
The first half was slow for both sides but slower for the visitors. Midwestern State had more shots on goal and attempts that were not put away. Nevertheless, the Mustangs defense was unyielding to the Hilltoppers.
Dwyer played a great game with a total of six shots and two on target. Fellow striker, Freeland, placed five shots and two of them were aimed at goal.
The Mustangs’ defense played smart especially in setting the offside trap against the Hilltoppers, who kept stepping higher up the field.
MSU will travel to Northeastern State University, Tahlequah on Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
