WICHITA FALLS, Texas – Texas A&M International University women's soccer fell 2-0 to Midwestern State on Wednesday at Stang Park.
Midwestern State (7-0-0, 3-0-0) struck early, taking a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute. Madison Brinkley forced a save from TAMIU goalkeeper Maria Melendez before Sloane Sullivan put away the rebound for the opening goal.
The Mustangs added to their advantage late in the opening half. In the 39th minute, Leeci Snyder delivered a corner into the six-yard area, where Bella Rose connected on a header to give MSU a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.
TAMIU (1-4-0, 1-2-0) responded with a stronger offensive showing after the break. After recording one shot in the first half, the Dustdevils generated four in the second while holding Midwestern State scoreless over the final 45 minutes.
The Dustdevils created a pair of opportunities in quick succession in the 72nd and 73rd minutes. Arianna Arboleda put a shot on frame that was stopped by MSU goalkeeper Lauren Short before Milly Garcia followed less than a minute later with another attempt on goal that Short saved.
TAMIU finished with five shots, including two on goal, while Midwestern State recorded 22 shots with six on target. Both teams earned four corner kicks. Garcia led the Dustdevils with two shots, while Arboleda, Leandra Dolder and Riley Brown each recorded one.
Melendez played all 90 minutes in goal for TAMIU and finished with four saves, including two in each half.
The loss moves the Dustdevils to 1-4 overall and 1-2 in conference play.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT:
Maria Melendez anchored the Dustdevils in goal, playing all 90 minutes and recording four saves against Midwestern State. She made two saves in each half and helped keep the Mustangs scoreless over the final 45 minutes.
Melendez is a senior goalkeeper for Texas A&M International University and is currently pursuing a degree in Kinesiology. A native of Cagua, Venezuela, Maria is the daughter of Gabriel Melendez and was born on July 1, 2006.
