PORTALES, NEW MEXICO – Thato Meko recorded his team leading fifth goal of the season in the second half, but the Patriots couldn't break through over the remaining minutes as they wrap up their 2023 campaign.
 
Wednesday's contest began as a defensive battle, as the two teams combined for three total shots over the first 28 minutes with none of those going on frame and forcing a goalkeeper to make a stop.
 
The game finally broke open in the 30^th minute as Eastern New Mexico connected on their one goal of the contest to take a 1-0 lead.
 
That goal would be the only one of the first 45 minutes and would be one of just two shots on net over the entire half. The only other shot on net came in the final minute of action, but Patriots keeper Diego Berlingeri held his line and made the save to keep UT Tyler right in the contest.
 
Just over five minutes into the second half, the Patriots recorded their first shot of the contest, but made it a huge one as Thato Meko drilled home his fifth goal of the season. Nori Ito picked up his team-leading fourth assist on the goal and the Patriots found themselves in business with just under 40 minutes remaining.
 
Over the next 12 minutes, the Greyhounds put together three shots, but only one went on frame as Berlingeri continued to hold his line. The Patriots took their turn on the offensive side of the ball, but they also could not find the netting as the moments wound down in the contest.
 
Just one more shot would go on target in the contest, as the Greyhounds put one on goal in the 89^th minute of action, but Berlingeri held his own and ensured the Patriots would pick up a point in the contest.
 
Thato Meko posted his fifth goal of the year on the night while posting a team-high two shots. Andre Cavichione and Raul Carrillo each recorded a shot in the match.