The University of the Southwest Men's Soccer Team had two contests at home this past week. On Thursday they took on Rival Louisiana State University Alexandria, and on Saturday they took on conference newcomer Louisiana College. Saturday was the Mustang's senior day as it was the last home contest of the regular season. 
 
Thursday's game against the Generals of LSUA was a defensive battle. There was no score in the contest as it went to the half with both teams trying to feel each other out. In the second half there were a few more opportunities for both sides but USW was unable to capitalize. LSUA was able to put a goal on the scoreboard in the 68^th minute and the Mustangs were unable to answer back, dropping the contest 1-0. 
 
Head Coach Edgar Negrete said following the contest "The game against LSUA, what can I say, it was one of those situations where things were going our way and we just couldn't get with the game plan. We didn't play like we usually do and it cost us 100 percent. We made some mental mistakes that caused us to lose the game. We knew how important it was for this week to win both games however we couldn't get going against LSUA. They sat back on us and parked the bus and we just couldn't break them down nor get into the attack. It took one opportunity for them to score on us and after the goal they went back and sat for the rest of the game. We missed a couple opportunities, it just wasn't our day and you will have those days in a season."
 
Saturday The Mustangs looked to bounce back against Louisiana College on Senior Day.  Again, the first half was much of a feeling out period as neither team was able to get on the scoreboard. In the second half things started to open up, the Wildcats of LC were able to get on the board first with a goal in the 54^th minute. USW was able to answer back less than five minutes later with a goal by Freshman MillaIvy Lopez, assisted by Gerardo Tenorio. The game remained tied 1-1 for a little more than thirteen minutes, before senior Brandon Cataldi was able to score on a free kick putting the Mustangs up 2-1. They weren't able to hold onto the lead long as LC answered with a game tying goal in the 77^th minute and scored the deciding goal in the 80^th minute. With the daylight almost completely gone the Mustangs tried frantically to tie the game back up but were unable to dropping the contest 3-2. 
 
Following the contest Coach Negrete said "We were looking to bounce back today, and for a minute we had the momentum that we needed. I think it's a situation right now on how can we move forward and get back on track. They boys showed some fight on Saturday but it was two major errors that cost us the game. The players are disappointed especially my seniors losing on senior night and having a team celebrate like they won the tournament, but this is where I turn the negative into a positive and let the boys know 'hey we lost the opportunity to clinch 2nd place this week. However, all the other teams that we expected to win got results that benefited us.' They say second chances don't come back often but we still have a lot to play for. This will be by far the most challenging week we will have. Like I told the boys, we already clinched a playoff spot. Now we're playing for seeding. We are in control of our own destiny. If we win against a tough LSUS and Texarkana we will clinch that second-place spot. If we don't we will most likely be on the road for the conference tournament. Either way there's nothing to be disappointed in. Our main objective was to make the tournament. We just have to finish the season strong and understand that the conference tournament is a different scenario. You never know who will win it. It's a heartbreaking loss but we will bounce back. What's done is done and we have to look what's ahead of us and understand we have much more to play for and that our season isn't over."
 
The Mustangs now sit at (6-3) in conference play and have a spot in the conference tournament clinched. They will look to bounce back this week as they hit the road to play a receiving votes LSU Shreveport Thursday and Texas A&M Texarkana on their senior day.