TYLER, TEXAS – UT Tyler men's soccer battled through a scoreless opening 40 minutes before Midwestern State found the back of the net late in the first half and added two second-half goals to hand the Patriots a 3-0 Lone Star Conference setback Wednesday night at Citizens First Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex.
The Patriots struggled to generate offensive opportunities early, recording no shots in the opening half while goalkeeper Niclas Becker kept UT Tyler within striking distance. Becker made three saves during the opening 45 minutes, including back-to-back stops in the final minutes of the half, but Midwestern State broke through at the 40:17 mark to take a 1-0 lead into halftime.
UT Tyler came out with more offensive pressure in the second half, producing all four of its shots after the break. Owen Dakin registered the Patriots' first shot on goal at 65:51, forcing a save, before Caden Naizer followed with another shot on target less than seven minutes later. Jamie Joyce also recorded a shot, while Henrique Caputo put another attempt on frame late in the match.
Becker continued to keep the Patriots in the match, making three more saves in the second half to finish with six on the night. He recorded saves on multiple Midwestern State chances throughout the second half, including a stop at 63:09 before turning away another attempt in the closing minutes.
Midwestern State extended its advantage at the 76:51 mark before adding another goal just over two minutes later to make it a 3-0 contest. UT Tyler continued to battle through the final minutes, with Caputo testing the opposing goalkeeper at 83:24, but the Patriots were unable to find the breakthrough.
UT Tyler finished the night with four shots, three of which were on target, while Becker's six saves marked the defensive highlight for the Patriots. The Patriots will be back in action Saturday at Lubbock Christian.
