WICHITA FALLS, Texas – Texas A&M International University men's soccer was unable to overcome an early deficit Saturday, falling 3-0 to Midwestern State at Stang Park.
The Dustdevils (3-3-2, 0-1-1 LSC) generated nine shots in the match, placing six on goal, but were kept off the scoreboard by the Mustangs (8-0-2, 2-0-0 LSC).
Midwestern State opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Parker Plaxco converted a penalty kick. Plaxco struck again in the 20th minute, finishing from close range after Davis Mays' header off a corner kick hit the post and fell into his path. He completed the first-half hat trick in the 25th minute, finishing a through ball from Cooper Tea to give the Mustangs a 3-0 advantage.
TAMIU continued to battle and created several opportunities before halftime. Luca Baurenhas put a pair of attempts on target, while Abner Zuniga forced a save from Midwestern State goalkeeper Jake Morris in the 42nd minute.
The Dustdevils increased their attacking pressure after the break, producing six of their nine shots in the second half. Ethan Williams provided a spark off the bench, putting both of his attempts on goal, including chances in the 59th and 68th minutes. Zuniga remained active throughout the second half and forced another save in the 88th minute.
TAMIU's defense held Midwestern State scoreless over the final 65 minutes. Nicklas Berg-Eriksen entered in goal in the 63rd minute and made three saves without allowing a goal over his 27:45 of action.
Zuniga led the Dustdevils offensively with four shots, including two on goal, while Baurenhas and Williams each finished with two shots on target. TAMIU placed six of its nine total attempts on frame.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT:
Abner Zuniga provided a consistent attacking presence for the Dustdevils, leading TAMIU with four shots and placing two on goal while playing all 90 minutes against Midwestern State.
Zuniga is a freshman midfielder for Texas A&M International University. A native of Laredo, TX, Abner is the son of Veronica and Eliu Zuniga and was born on August 18, 2008.
