MSU's home unbeaten streak ends at 45

by Trey Reed

September 21, 2012

WICHITA FALLS, Texas -- No. 13 Midwestern State was within 111 seconds of another home win Friday night at the MSU Soccer Field.

But Incarnate Word's Vinny Bailey scored to push the match into overtime before completing a hat trick with a breakaway goal in the 106th minute of double overtime to give the Cardinals a 3-2 Lone Star Conference victory.

A UIW celebration ensued including a few taunts from the Cardinals toward the crowd of 972 fans.

"That was years of frustration for Incarnate Word," MSU coach Doug Elder said. "I wasn't too happy with what happened after the game but that's a part of the game also, I suppose."

Incarnate Word definitely earned the victory outshooting the Mustangs by a 23-13 count including a 14-8 edge in shots on frame.

"That's the most chances we've given up on goal in a while," Elder said. "(UIW) is a good team. That's the most athletic team I've seen then have in a while. Those wing midfielder and (Tenny Adebowale) are very quick."

Yet a pair of goals by MSU junior forward Lenny Smith - both assisted by VcMor Eligwe - allowed the Mustangs to carry the lead for much of the evening.

Smith tallied his first goal in the 44th minute but the lead would persist for just 30 seconds as Bailey deposited his first goal on a cross from Placide Buduri later in the same minute to knot the match at 1-1 going into the intermission.

The Mustangs got off to a solid start in the second half and regained the lead on Smith's second goal in the 52nd minute.

"We created some good chances in the second half and I thought we played better," Elder said.

Then Bailey wiped away the advantage late to send the match into overtime.

"I thought we got a little tired and they got a little tired and we weren't able to cover some of their attacks in the second half," Elder said. "It's heartbreaking to be up 2-1 with 1:51 left in the game and give up a goal. Frustrating because you feel like you have it won and you can just hang in there."

MSU junior goalkeeper Ray Clark sparkled in defeat making 10 saves with many on difficult chances.

The loss snapped the Mustangs' 45-game home unbeaten streak which dated back to the 2007 season.

Midwestern takes on Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) Sunday afternoon at the MSU Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.