Sunday, October 11, 2015
PORTALES, N.M. — The Eastern New Mexico University men's soccer team didn't make it easy for the No. 1 team in the nation Sunday, pushing Midwestern State University into overtime and showing the region the Greyhounds are a force to be reckoned with.
The ENMU (3-5-2) defense was superb on the day, frustrating the Mustangs (9-0-1) all match. Midwestern did record four shots on goal, but James Gutierrez was on point all match and anchored the Greyhound defense.
Coach Paul Tate said, "We talked about how we have to play defense first and not to worry about attacking. We were all focused coming in and had a great week of training leading up to today."
Erick Kwizera had a chance for ENMU to put the game away in regulation, just missing the goal wide late in the second half. Carlos Viveros played well continued to play well offensively, pushing the ball and setting up teammates for chances all match.
ENMU is now 2-19-3 against the Mustangs all time. The Greyhounds managed to hold the No. 1 team to only one score, a feat that has only been accomplished one other time in Midwestern's season.
"I think this match was a big turning point for us this year, showing that we can play with anybody," said Tate. "We had a rough stretch there but we continued to move forward and we are playing with more unity now."
The Hounds return to the pitch Tuesday to take on University of Texas-Permian Basin at 4:00 p.m. UTPB is 4-7 on the season heading into the match.
