The Midwestern State soccer team witnessed their first home defeat since 2007 when the Cardinals of Incarnate Word snuck in an extra time winner. This disappointing loss wasn’t what the Mustangs expected after drawing two games a week before.

Head Men’s Soccer coach Doug Elder was upset with the loss but praised the quality of the Incarnate Word team.

“They are the best team we have played so far,” he said. “They have good players with good speed and their attack was good but their defense was not as good.”

Len Smith opened the scoring for MSU with a fine cross from VcMor Eligwe but Incarnate Word’s Vincent Bailey replied in a matter of seconds with a similar goal. Smith scored again in the second period, which prompted the Mustangs to play defensively to hold the lead. However, the persistent Bailey dented the Mustangs’ hope of victory with an 89th minute goal. Bailey took advantage of a breach in the Midwestern State defense to give his team a ticket to extra time.

“The ball wasn’t cleared and their best finisher scored,” said Elder. “You concede goals when you lose the ball. We need to keep the ball.”

Bailey scored a 106th minute golden goal as the Cardinals trotted away with a well-deserved vitory.

“We have to play better to be the team with quality,” said Elder as he hoped to rebound from Friday’s game.

Elder’s team put an impressive performance Sunday afternoon with 6-0 victory over Ouachita Baptist.

“It was a different game,” said Elder. “ This team was not as athletic.”

The Mustangs created a lot of chances with the forwards anxious to score goals. Bryan Santiago scored the opener before Eligwe scored the second and the third. David Freeland finally scored his first goal of the season, Aaron Douthit, his second, while Taylor Brown scored his first collegiate goal.

Elder and his team plan on practicing all week in preparation for their trip to Oklahoma where they will be hosted by Adams State University. The Mustangs have not battled Adams State in previous fixtures, but look forward to a challenge.

“We expect a good game,” said Elder. “Adams State struggled in their league last year, but they are ten times better.”