Thanks to a combination of team determination and home advantage, the Midwestern State soccer team showed off an exquisite display by defeating the University of Houston-Victoria 4-1 Friday.
“Everybody came here and played their hardest,” said Head Men’s Soccer Coach Doug Elder. “Houston-Victoria did really well and didn’t quit till the end but we were able to finish our chances.”
Len Smith marked his seventh goal of the season in the opening minutes of the game. The Mustangs held on to the early lead for 11 minutes before UHV’s Allan Bell’s superb finishing made it level in the 15th minute.
Nonetheless, Ben Clarvis helped the Mustangs regain the lead by heading in Andrew Power’s 22nd minute corner kick. VcMor Eligwe extended the lead in the 38th minute with an intelligent back heel after Power had set him up with a cross.
Photo by BEKAH TIMM
“We had five shots on goal in the first half which resulted in three goals,” Elder said. “You can’t beat that.”
David Freeland was tackled illegally in-box in the 77th minute thus the referee pointed to the spot. Aaron Douthit sent the goalkeeper the wrong way for the Mustangs fourth goal of the night.
“It’s good that we went 3-1 up and held on to the lead,” Elder said. “We’ve given up some leads in the past.”
Even though the Mustangs humiliated the Jaguars, Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach Michael Wood felt the team could have done a little better.
“It’s good to get back to winning ways after last weekend’s disappointment,” said Michael Wood, assistant soccer coach. “But we didn’t play up to our potential. We have a lot to work on, and a tough few weeks of soccer left.”
After a successful home game, the Mustangs traveled to Arkansas where they defeated Ouachita Baptist 3-1.
Eligwe, Smith and Douthit scored one goal a piece to mark their second in two games.
Fernando Garza’s pass made Eligwe’s goal possible while Clarvis assisted Smith. Douthit’s took advantage of a rebound off a Ouachita Baptist player to score the 89th-minute winner.
Elder’s team will visit Eastern New Mexico Friday and West Texas A&M on Sunday.
