HOBBS, NM--- The Lady Mustang Soccer program kicks off their 2019 Red River Conference season this Thursday as they host the Texas College Steers. The Lady Mustangs enter conference play with a 3-4 record, with 2 of their losses coming against NCAA Division 1 opponents. But Head Coach D'Angelo Garcia is confident that the tough early season schedule will only benefit the team as they head into a pivotal month-long stretch of conference matches. "I specifically designed this schedule for many lessons to be learned prior to conference play" said Garcia. "The experiences alone with these Division 1 programs are once in a lifetime opportunities for most of these girls. It was an experience for all of us in terms of how the top-level plays and how we can translate the lessons learned to the training ground as we prepare for conference games." 

USW officially kicked off their 2019 season in Arizona as they took on Ottawa University and Benedictine University-Mesa. The ladies lost their opening match of the season 3-2 in 2OT to Ottawa, but were fortunate to earn a forfeit from Benedictine due to a scheduling error on their part that did not allow for the game to be played at the scheduled time. USW then hosted Lubbock Christian in their first home match and came from behind to earn a 2-1 victory over the Division 2 opponent from West Texas. 

The Mustangs made the trip over to Abilene, TX two days later as they took on Division 1 Abilene Christian in a match that saw the Lady Mustangs fail to put one into the back of the net. But none the less, Coach Garcia believes that the team was able to take away many lessons from these tough early season contests. "I believe that we can take with us what we've learned and experienced to the upcoming games that really count. I was very pleased with the performances that the team produced, but it's all about how you begin and finish matches. It gave us a glimpse of confidence that we can play with just about anyone and that goes a long way for us mentally". The Mustangs also faced Division 1 opponent UTEP and lost 2-0.

The Lady Mustangs are returning a majority of their starters from last season, including an attacking side of the field that have played multiple seasons together. Junior Priscilla Garcia, Senior Karla Parra, and Senior Naomi Morales bring a veterans mentality to the team as Parra and Morales have both started 16 games each of the last two seasons. "In terms of attacking, I am confident enough to say we have one of the best attacking sides in our conference. Going forward with the ball, we take full advantage of the aggressive style of offense that seems to break teams down. Shots and goals will come, but it's how we can invade to the final third and capitalize on our opportunities. With these experienced players that are playing in these key positions, I fully trust them to get the job done." said Coach Garcia of his veteran attackers. 

Junior Lauren Zarate knows that this team has something special, but knows that they must continue to work hard and play as a team if they want to achieve their goals. "This team has been working extremely hard since the start of preseason. Although we have had a few tough losses, we take each game as an opportunity to improve. We have a great team and a strong foundation where we are able to communicate effectively on what we can work on, as well as what is working for us both on and off the field." The El Paso native has appeared in 5 games for the Mustangs and has assisted on 2 goals thus far.

With so many Juniors and Seniors in the starting 11 for Coach Garcia, it would only be right that one of the most important positions on the field be filled with a true freshman in Andrea Martinez. The Hobbs native has started every game in goal for the Mustangs and is allowing  1.7 goals per game. Going into the 2019 season, Head Coach D'Angelo Garcia had a void to fill in the goalkeeper position and made it a priority to go after a high impact goalie to take over the program. "It was a key position that I was heavily recruiting for last year. Andrea has brought a spark for us without a doubt. She is one of the most outgoing people on the field, but come gameday, she is locked and loaded. She proved to the team that she belongs in goal for us by her hard work and impressive saves she has made thus far." Coach Garcia has been pleased so far with Martinez in net, but knows that conference is a different level of competition and she must remain confident in herself. "Nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes. She just needs to be confident enough and not as hesitant in certain situations." 

The Lady Mustangs enter conference play with one thing on their mind; a RRAC championship. With so many veteran leaders in the lineup, Coach Garcia believes this is the year that they can push through. "We all know that conference games are a different level of environment considering you have 10 teams throughout three states competing for the same thing. When the prize is big, you have to play big against big teams. Fortunately for us, we have many returners who have been in this environment before and know what to expect heading into conference. Our team chemistry is strong and I firmly believe that we can do big things that this program hasn't seen in a very long time. We have a special group of young women who are hungry, that will help earn us some hardware." Lauren Zarate has the same mentality as Coach Garcia; this team has the makeup to win a conference championship. " I know that we have the quality in this team to win conference and make it to nationals. We have been working hard day in and day out, and we will show how that hard work has paid off one conference play starts. This team is supported by a great coaching staff and school that we have all the tools necessary to assure a successful conference season" 

The Lady Mustangs host Texas College on Thursday with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 MST. USW then hosts Jarvis Christian on Saturday afternoon with kick scheduled for 1:00 MST. All USW matches will be streamed throughout our website, located under the "MUSTANG TV" tab.