The Midwestern State soccer team overcame the speed of the Greyhounds of Eastern New Mexico with a 2-1 defeat at the Mustangs soccer field.
David Freeland marked the first attempt of the game when he attempted a third minute shot. Four minutes later, the forward sent another ball which ENMU Matt Malak blocked.
Chris Dwyer tried to take advantage of the rebound but Malak got up quickly enough to make another save.
Dwyer also produced headers in the 10th and 19th minute which Malak saved with ease.
While the MSU forwards were trying to way for an opener, Michael Wood secured the goal to render efforts from ENMU Eishu Kanemitsu and Kal Herbert wasted.
Nathan Fitzgerald and Dean Lovegrove also tried to get on the scoreboard but joined the other players as they settled for a scoreless first half.
The second half had barely kicked off when Dwyer assisted Freeland for his sixth goal of the season.
A textbook pass in the 18-yard box made way for Freeland to score the opener for Midwestern.
Like that wasn’t enough, Lovegrove drove a similar goal to his previous weeks in the 48th minute to double the Mustangs’ lead. The 35-yard strike was placed into the upper right corner beyond Malak’s reach.
The Greyhounds got back on track in the 72nd minute when Andy Wilkinson found a breach in the Mustangs defense.
After a crucial Friday night victory, the Mustangs went ahead to shutout West Texas A&M and qualified for the Lone Star Conference playoffs.
The Deadlock was broken after 23 minutes of play and clever footwork from unswerving forwards. Freeland kept his consistency intact with a superb goal.
He sent his seventh goal of the season to the bottom left corner when Dwyer crossed a fine ball to the former.
“Freeland played really well in both games,” said Head Soccer Coach Doug Elder. “He seems to create more chances.”
The Mustangs were grateful for the first half lead and got ready for the second period.
After great combination from Broadbent and Freeland, Fitzgerald found way to double the hosts’ lead in the 56th minute.
MSU almost put in a third when Chase Robertson’s free kick hit the woodwork in the 74th minute.
Elder also lauded the reserves particularly Robertson, who works hard on and off the field.
The Mustangs marked their 41st consecutive home win as they qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs.
