Photo Credit: Tony Baker, NMTXSports.com

HOBBS, N.M. – University of Saint Thomas scored late in the second half and edged University of the Southwest 2-1 Friday afternoon in the opening round of the 2017 RRAC tournament at Bob Moran Soccer Field.

The setback caps off a great season for the Mustangs. USW finished 6-2-2 in conference play, a program best.

"It was a balanced game overall with both teams getting a fair share of chances and possession," USW head coach Robert Ssejjemba said following the match. "St. Thomas was more clinical in front of the goal and I think the timing of their goals were critical. All the credit to them, they got better by the game this season."

At 13:33 the Celts scored first and gained a 1-0 lead. 15 minutes later USW reposnded when senior Ibis Armendariz drilled a laser from 15 yards out and the match went into halftime tied at 1-1.

UST scored the go-ahead goal at 79:13 to take the game.

The Celts narrowly outshot the Mustangs by an 11-7 margin. However, the second half was evenly matched with both teams earning three shots on the frame.