HOBBS, N.M. – Behind a two-goal performance from Stefano Carvajal and six saves from goalkeeper Jeremy Rueda, Southwest opened its 2026 season with a 2-1 victory over Oklahoma Panhandle State University on Saturday afternoon at Bob Moran Field.
The Mustangs controlled the decisive stretch of the opening half, breaking through in the 34th minute when Yahir Chacon delivered a pass to Carvajal, who buried his opportunity for the first Southwest goal of the season and a 1-0 advantage.
Just over three minutes later, Carvajal struck again. The sophomore forward found the back of the net in the 37th minute to complete his brace and double the Mustangs' lead heading into halftime.
While Southwest held the edge on the scoreboard, Oklahoma Panhandle State applied pressure throughout the match. Rueda came up with several key stops in the first half, recording saves on shots from Miguel Castejon, Pablo Benavides, and Pavle Veljkovic to preserve the clean sheet before the break.
The Aggies cut the deficit in half early in the second period when Zusipheyena Gxarisa scored in the 55th minute, making it a one-goal match.
Southwest responded with a composed defensive effort over the final 35 minutes. Rueda added three more saves in the second half, while the Mustang back line turned away several dangerous opportunities. In the 88th minute, defender Emiliano Rojo made a crucial defensive save to keep Oklahoma Panhandle State from finding an equalizer.
Carvajal accounted for both Mustang goals on two shots on goal, while Juan Perez and Yahir Meza each recorded shots on frame. Southwest finished with seven shots, four shots on goal, and four corner kicks in the win.
Oklahoma Panhandle State outshot Southwest 10-7, but Rueda's six-save performance helped the Mustangs secure their first win of the season.
With the victory, Southwest improves to 1-0 on the year and opens the season with a strong result on its home field.
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