WICHITA FALLS, Texas – The Eastern New Mexico men's soccer team suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of conference front runner no. 3 Midwestern State on the road in Wichita Falls, Texas on Thursday night.

Despite outshooting Midwestern (11-0-1) by a final total of 12-9 in the game and controlling the better part of the match against one of the nation's premier teams, the Hounds (5-6-2) were unable to capitalize on their four shot on goal attempts to answer two first half goals for the Mustangs. A goal in the 8^th minute off of a deflection off the post plus a penalty kick goal in the 39^th minute gave the Mustangs the 2-0 advantage that they would hold the remaining 50 minutes of the game.

The Hounds conceded just two shot on goal attempts, while creating their own fair share of chances. Freshman Julian Trapp posted the first shot attempt of the game just 38 seconds into the match, while sophomore Gabriel Peres offered the lone shot on goal attempt in the opening half at the 26 minute mark.

Peres and midfielder Craig Brand tied for a team-best three shot attempts on a night in which seven Eastern New Mexico players recorded a shot.  

Eastern got off to a quick start in the second half coming out of the break trailing 2-0, as forwards Gregory Franusic and Aderi Arthur-Dede recorded shot on goal attempts at the 45^th and 47^th minute marks that were both saved by Midwestern keeper Taylor Lampe. The Hounds continued to press in the opening minutes of the second half, taking consecutive corner kicks that ultimately were unable to be converted on.

The frantic pace of the opening minutes of the second half eventually settled down as the Mustangs began to regain control of the match moving towards the final minutes of play. Peres and midfielder Craig Brand both took shots in the final five minutes of the game looking to create some late-minute magic, but ultimately missed their mark, sealing the 2-0 result in favor of the Mustangs.

Eastern will travel north from Wichita Falls, Texas to take part in their final road game of the year on Saturday afternoon against Oklahoma Christian at 12 p.m. before returning home for their final four contests of the season. The Hounds are right in the mix to qualify for the Heartland Conference tournament, and will need some results in their final five matches to qualify for postseason play in head coach Jon Fridal's first year at the helm.