Hobbs, NM – University of the Southwest Women's Soccer (7-5-2, 5-3-2 RRAC) played host to Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) ( (8-5-3, 3-5-2 RRAC) in the penultimate match of the regular season. 
 
Senior goalkeeper Andrea Martinez started strong for USW, making two saves within the first twelve minutes of the match. This allowed the Lady Mustangs to strike on offense early to put them ahead of Shreveport. 
 
In the 17^th minute, Graduate Student Jennifer Schroeder played Sophomore Maya Sanchez through for a one-on-one opportunity against the LSUS goalkeeper, which she put away. 
 
Southwest continued the pressure early in the first half but could not find their mark to double their lead. LSUS took the opportunity to score a goal of their own in the 35^th minute when Abbie Rutledge found Allison Clear for the goal to even it up at one. 
 
Martinez saved a couple more chances for USW before the end of the half, leaving it a 1-1 game. 
 
It was proving not to be an easy one, which is precisely what Coach Edgar Negrete was expecting.
 
"I was super proud of the girls' effort today, and we were going against a tough LSUS team," said Negrete. "I told the girls that today's game would be tough. We will have to make sure we come out and don't start late. We got on the board early with a great ball played by Jen to Maya. Maya was able to put the ball away and give us the 1-0 lead. Shreveport came back and scored, so corrections needed to be made."
 
When the second half started, Shreveport tested USW's defense immediately with a couple of shots, looking to get out in front early. The Lady Mustang defense continued to stay strong as they had been.
 
In the 66^th minute, LSUS fouled Sanchez in the box, which led to a penalty opportunity and a chance for USW to take the lead. Schroeder stepped up to the spot and buried it home for the 2-1 lead.
 
That is all the Lady Mustangs would need, as they would keep Shreveport off the board the rest of the way and themselves in the playoff hunt. 
 
"At halftime, we made some adjustments and explained to the girls some tactical changes, and we were able to create more chances in the second half," stated Negrete. "Maya was able to break free when Mayeli played a great through ball to her but was fouled inside the penalty box. Jen stepped up and put the ball away. I was super proud of the girls' effort in the second half. We could pull off the big win and give us our first victory again in the last couple of games. It was kind of a weight lifted off our shoulders, and we were able to breathe and enjoy that happiness again. Unfortunately, we didn't have all the good news. One of our seniors, Mayeli Torres, did get hurt. I want to send her prayers, and we hope the injury isn't as bad as we think. I was super proud of how she played in the second half, and we know she did everything she could for this team today."
 
"We have our senior day against Texarkana on Saturday, and it's a big game for our seniors. We hope we can pull an upset and win this game for our Seniors. They have done a lot for our team this year, and we know the team will miss them. All we want to do is win for them to let them know how appreciative we are of them." 
 
The Lady Mustangs will be back in action Saturday for their final regular season game and Senior Day 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.