TYLER, TEXAS – UT Tyler men's soccer put forth a valiant effort on Wednesday night, but a late goal from the #22 ranked Midwestern State Mustangs spoiled a chance at a point for the Patriots in the LSC.
 
The #22 Mustangs played on the front foot for much of the first half, outshooting the Patriots by an 8-2 margin over the first 45 minutes. Their key shots came early, as goalkeeper Alan Johnson was forced into saves in both the 8^th and 21^st minutes of the contest.
 
Mika Zarkesh made a long run down the right flank in the 22^nd minute that ended in a shot, but it was saved by the Mustangs keeper to keep the game knotted at 0-0. That would be the final shot on goal of the half, and the teams would combine for just one more shot over the remainder of the half.
 
In the second half, both teams put on early pressure, with Johnson making another pair of saves and the Mustangs keeper making one himself. However, in the 66^th minute, the Mustangs drew a foul just inside the penalty box, sending themselves to the spot.
 
The Mustangs would convert the penalty kick to take a 1-0 lead, but the Patriots had the answer just under two minutes later. Niko Vasileiou played a ball wide to Luan Rangel, who played back across the box to a streaking Salomão Saboia. Saboia was able to slot the shot home, evening the game right back at 1-1.
 
The two teams played to a near stalemate over the next 15 minutes, and Johnson picked up yet another pair of saves as he continued to hold his line in brilliant fashion. The Patriots would get one final shot on goal in the 87^th minute, but the Mustangs found their way on a counter attack and just chipped in a shot inside the left post for the goal and the 2-1 win.
 
Saboia picked up his first goal of the season on the day, and Vasileiou and Rangel each collected their first assists.
 
UT Tyler will be back in action on Saturday afternoon as they head to Lubbock, Texas to take on Lubbock Christian. That game is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. start.