Austin, TX – It was a matchup of two teams looking to stay in playoff contention as USW Women's Soccer (6-4-1, 4-2-1 RRAC) traveled to take on Huston-Tillotson University (HTU) (4-5-3, 3-4-1 RRAC).
 
The Lady Mustangs came with the plan of putting pressure on the Huston-Tillotson defense and executed that plan early. In the 5^th minute of the first half, Sophomore Maya Sanchez found the game's first goal and put the Lady Mustangs up 1-0 early. 
 
A little over ten minutes later, the Rams charged into the box and were able to draw a penalty against USW. America Macias stepped up to the spot for Huston-Tillotson and buried it home to even the game up 1-1. 
 
That would not do for the offense of USW as Sanchez once again found the back of the net for her second goal of the game in the 27^th minute, putting the Lady Mustangs up 2-1. 
 
Once again, Huston-Tillotson would answer back in the form of a Clara Aria goal in the 35^th minute from a Lesly Davila assist. That would eventually be the end of the high scoring first half as the two sides went into the break tied 2-2. 
 
The defenses stepped up for each team in the second half, as neither team was able to score. Both goalkeepers were also challenged, with Southwest taking six shots and Huston-Tillotson taking five in the second half. 
 
Senior Andrea Martinez was solid for the Lady Mustangs, making four saves on the day and stopping a penalty that would be the difference in the game.
 
"We came out and got the first goal in, but we hurt ourselves by giving away two penalties in today's match," said Coach Edgar Negrete. "Our goalkeeper Andrea was able to save one of the two penalty kicks. We were able to score again, which is a good sign. We got out of losing a game and moved on to a tie, which I see as a positive step. We gave up two mistakes, and they capitalized on those mistakes. However, we put two in the net, which helped us come away with the tie. We missed many opportunities that needed to be goals, and towards the game's last play, we had a 1v1 chance against the keeper, and we couldn't capitalize on it. But hey, we didn't lose, and that's what we need to get positive and move forward."
 
"Now we have two big games in Louisiana, and we have to do something special if we want to see the playoffs this year."
 
The Lady Mustangs will travel to Louisiana next week to take on Louisiana State University Alexandria on October 20^th and Louisiana Christian University on October 22^nd. Continue to follow USW Athletics and USW Women's Soccer on all social media for scores and updates throughout the season.