Pineville, LA – With just one week left in the regular season, the University of the Southwest Women's Soccer team traveled to face Louisiana Christian University (5-4-2, 3-3-2 RRAC). USW (6-5-2, 4-3-2 RRAC) was looking to end their Louisiana on a high note before returning home for their final two games in the regular season.
 
Both teams came out in the first half with shots on goal, testing each goalkeeper early on. LCU would continue to pepper shots at USW's goal but would not be able to get past Senior goalkeeper Andrea Martinez. 
 
Martinez and the defense would be stellar for the Lady Mustangs in the first half, with Martinez helping her team maintain a shutout through the half with nine saves. 
 
"Going into the game, I let the girls know that we had to get back to our winning ways," said Coach Edgar Negrete. "We had to believe that we were a good team, and they had to believe in themselves. We started the game out of shape and were confused for the first 45 minutes. Luckily, we had our back line help us in the first, finishing the half 0-0."
 
The defensive theme of the game would continue in the second half as the Lady Mustangs were not able to get anything going offensively. 
 
The Wildcats tested Martinez a couple more times, but she was able to rack up two more saves in the half. The Lady Mustang defense continued holding their ground as the game ended in a 0-0 draw. 
 
"The coaching staff talked to the girls and made some adjustments in the midfield, which we feel helped us a lot," stated Negrete. "We started to be more in the game, making it more competitive, and it wasn't one-sided anymore like it was in the first half. We had some chances that we couldn't finish. LC had some chances that were very dangerous as well. Luckily, we were to clean them up and make some good saves. The game ended in a tie which was an outcome that helped us for the playoff berth. We weren't playing for a tie; we were going for a win, but I'll take the tie instead of a loss." 
 
"Now we're in a situation if we win on Thursday, we are in. If we lose on Thursday, our playoff chances can be done. We will be at home, and LSUS hasn't been here in a couple of years. I hope that we have the home-field advantage with them having to travel so far to play us. I hope we can have a lot of support on Thursday's game. I know the girls will appreciate it, as the coaching staff would also. We want to make this week the most fans in attendance at a game to help us clinch a playoff spot. It's going to be a tough week at soccer, but this is why we play the sport, for moments like this. 2 games are left, and everyone wants one of those six spots, so we must get back to work because a team that wants our spot will come to our house on Thursday, and we have to make them earn that spot. We have a long trip home, and come Monday, and we get back to work for a tough week."
 
The Lady Mustangs head home for their final regular season games on Thursday, October 2^nd, against LSU Shreveport and Saturday. October 29^th, against Texas A&M-Texarkana. Continue to follow USW Athletics and USW Women's Soccer on all social media for scores and updates throughout the season.