The University of the Southwest Women's Soccer team made their season debut with two games in Oklahoma. On Saturday, they faced Science & Arts University (Okla.) in Chickasha, OK, which ended in a 4-0 victory for Science & Arts. Monday had the women facing Mid-America University in Oklahoma City, OK. That matchup ended with a 3-1 win for MACU.
 
Game 1
Unfortunately, the USW women had a tough time finding the back of the net as they could only put three shots on goal.
 
Science & Arts got the scoring started with an Emma Rice goal in the 35^th minute and did look back. Eyvor Palsdottir scored another goal in the 43^rd minute to make it 2-0 before halftime. Following halftime, goals by Kyleigh Fort in the 51^st minute and Alicia Rey in the 60^th minute made the contest 4-0 and would eventually end that way.
 
Although Science & Arts were able to put four in the back of the net, USW saw a strong showing from Andrea Martinez, who collected eight saves on the day.
 
Coach Edgar Negrete believes there is much to learn and build upon following their first game of the year. Negrete said, "we have a very young team, and we are trying to find the balance in how and what can work for us this year. We gave up 3 goals that shouldn't have gone in but all we can do is learn from our mistakes. We also missed a couple of opportunities that should have been put away but unfortunately it didn't go in. When we don't score it's hard to build momentum. We still have a lot to play for. We cannot be discouraged and know we have a lot to play for."
 
 
Game 2
Mid-America's Annika Gerdau put her squad up early in the 2^nd minute with her first goal of the season. They would tack another one by Mia Willyerd in the 6^th minute to make it a 2-0 match early.
 
The Lady Mustangs would strike back and cut the deficit in half just before halftime with a Jennifer Schroder goal that found its way between the posts during the 45^th minute. That would be Schroder's first goal and the first goal for the Mustangs this season.
 
MACU would add another goal by Francesca Martella off of a free kick in the 65^th minute that would make it 3-1 and seal the deal for the Evangels.
 
USW put four shots on goal against MACU, while Andrea Martinez made eleven saves in the game's entirety.
 
Following the loss, Coach Negrete said, "I think we played a great game. We fought till the very end. We showed some heart and character. I was really impressed with Maya Sanchez this game. She came out and dictated the pressure on our offense. We had two mistakes that change the game for us. But we Finally got a goal in which is what we need as a team. Jenifer Schroeder was able to put that ball away and give us some life for some time. I'm extremely proud of the girls we just have to keep working and get ready for another tough game at home. We are excited to play in front of our fans against Wayland Baptist. We hope to get our first win of the year at home."
 
The Lady Mustangs will play their next three games at home, starting with Wayland Baptist Saturday, September 10^th at 1 PM MST. Continue to follow USW Athletics and USW Women's Soccer on all social media for scores and updates throughout the season.