HOBBS, N.M. — The University of the Southwest men's soccer team split a pair of Red River Athletic Conference matches this week, falling 1-0 to North American University on Thursday before bouncing back with a 4-3 victory over Texas A&M University-Victoria on Saturday.
The Mustangs opened the week against North American, controlling much of the offensive action but ultimately falling by a narrow margin.
Southwest recorded 20 shots, including 16 on goal, while holding North American to just five shots and three shots on goal. Goalkeeper Jeremy Rueda made two saves in the match, keeping the Mustangs within striking distance.
Southwest generated several opportunities throughout the opening half, with Juan Jimenez, Yahir Meza, Sebastian Valdez, Juan Perez and Yahir Chacon all testing the North American defense. The Mustangs continued to apply pressure after halftime, but North American goalkeeper Lutho Mkaba made 15 saves to keep Southwest off the scoreboard.
North American broke through in the 64th minute when Felipe Hernandez scored off an assist from Kemi Ekoka, giving the Jaguars a 1-0 advantage. Southwest continued to push for the equalizer, producing several more chances late in the match, but Mkaba turned away the Mustangs' final attempts to secure the shutout.
Southwest quickly turned the page Saturday, earning a 4-3 road victory over Texas A&M-Victoria in a back-and-forth contest.
The Mustangs came out strong, taking a 2-0 lead in the opening half. Juan Perez opened the scoring in the 25th minute with an assist from Yahir Meza before Jose Attong doubled the advantage less than four minutes later on a feed from Juan Jimenez.
Perez struck again just 55 seconds into the second half to complete his brace and push the Southwest lead to 3-0.
A&M-Victoria responded with three consecutive goals, tying the match at 3-3 in the 63rd minute. The Mustangs, however, regained the lead late when Yahir Chacon found the back of the net in the 81st minute off an assist from Adrian Campbell.
Southwest held on through the final minutes to secure the 4-3 victory.
Perez led the Mustangs with two goals, while Chacon and Attong each added a goal. Meza, Jimenez and Campbell each recorded an assist.
Rueda finished with seven saves in goal, helping Southwest withstand a late push from A&M-Victoria. The Mustangs finished with 13 shots and six shots on goal, while A&M-Victoria recorded 16 shots and 10 shots on goal.
With the split, Southwest moves to 4-3-5 overall and 1-2-1 in conference play.
The Mustangs will look to carry the momentum from Saturday's victory into their next RRAC matchup.
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