Box Score WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS – The Patriots battled closely with #7 ranked Midwestern State until a late rally gave the Mustangs the edge 4-2.
 
In another quiet start for the Patriots, the first shot of the game wasn't recorded until the 24^th minute. However, it was UT Tyler who would strike first. Junior Sergio Sola netted his fifth goal on the season in the 25^th minute of the contest. Sola dribbled down the right sideline into the box, and hit a bending rocket that found the left side of the net to give the Patriots a 1-0 lead.
 
The goal from Sola was the only point of the first half, as neither team would break through again. The Mustangs outshot the Patriots 7-1 for the half, and forced goalkeeper Mathias Eriksen to make multiple saves in the first half.
 
It didn't take long for Eriksen to be tested again. Less than a minute into the second half, a handball inside the box allowed for the Mustangs to have a penalty kick. Mere Escobar stepped up to take it, and sent a low shot to the left of Eriksen. Eriksen managed to block it off of the post, bouncing it out, and then saved another shot immediately after.
 
The Mustangs continued the offensive pressure, before eventually breaking through with a goal in the 55^th minute. The goal from James Doyle tied up the match at 1-1 and made it a brand new game.
 
The Patriots would once again take the lead in the 69^th minute, as Malte Andres recorded his first goal of the season. This goal came off of a brilliantly taken set piece by Shane Popieluch. Popieluch launched an arcing pass from the left sideline that dropped right in front of the Mustangs keeper. Andres was able to step in front of the defense and tap it into the left side of the net to make the score 2-1.
 
The success would be short lived however, as #7 Midwestern State scored the equalizer just seven minutes later. The Mustangs followed that goal up with two more in the next six minutes to make it a 4-2 final score.
 
Mathias Eriksen ended the night with seven total saves. Sergio Sola scored his fifth goal on 20 shots for the season. Malte Andres scored his first career goal for the Patriots. Shane Popieluch collected his fourth assist on the season.
 
UT Tyler will be back in action this Saturday as they will host Lubbock Christian. That game will take place at Citizens 1^st Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex and is scheduled for a 2 p.m. kickoff.