The Midwestern State soccer team saw a remarkable conference victory with a comfortable shutout over the RiverHawks of Northeastern State University.

The hosts were unable to match their opponents in the opening minutes of the game and conceded an early goal from junior forward David Freeland.

Freeland was found in the box by forward Chris Dwyer and the latter sent a through pass that resulted in the eighth-minute opener.

Dwyer had also assisted an early Freeland goal in an earlier fixture against the RiverHawks.

The Mustangs’ fondness of early goals was confirmed when midfielder Dean Lovegrove blasted a 14th minute shot to the amazement of NSU.

Freeland assisted Lovegrove, whose 30-yard screamer doubled the Mustangs’ lead and left NSU goalkeeper Jordan Ladbrooke speechless.

“Scoring early goals changed the game and opened our opponents up,” said Head Soccer Coach Doug Elder.

MSU kept creating chances and posing threats in the RiverHawks’ defense. Senior Casey Hibbs sent a left-footed attept but missed wide off the goal.

Freeland also tried to get on the scoreboard for the second time but was denied by Ladbrooke.

While the Mustangs’ offense was hungry for more goals, goalkeeper Michael Wood and the backline made sure NSU did not slot in any. The defenders kept the offside trap as usual and Wood stopped incoming shots.

MSU dominated the first half in terms of shots, possession, corner kicks and especially goals.

The second half went slow for both teams, particularly Northeastern, who had to cope with conceding the winning goal in the 84th minute.

“Northeastern exposed themselves for the third goal,” added Elder.

Zach Funk delightedly tucked in a rebound after midfielder Nathan Fitzgerald fired a shot that came off the crossbar.

“If we win Friday and Sunday, we’re in the playoffs,” Elder said. “We need to take care of business this weekend.”

Midwestern will take on Eastern New Mexico Friday at 7 p.m. and West Texas A&M Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Mustangs soccer field.