FORT WORTH, TX: The Texas Wesleyan University men's soccer team (5-2) suffered a 3-1 loss against the University of the Southwest (5-1) at Martin Field on Saturday.
The Mustangs prevailed on the strength of three goals from Edrian Negrete. Negrete established himself almost immediately as he got by the Rams back line for a goal just 2:38 into the game. In the 36th minute, the Mustangs were awarded a penalty kick and Negrete knocked in his second of the game.
Another Negrete goal in the 58th minute pushed the score to 3-0. The Rams earned a penalty kick in the 71st minute, and
Alex Ellis scored to make things interesting, but the Rams could get no closer.
USW held a narrow 20-17 lead in shots, while Texas Wesleyan led 8-1 in corner kicks. The foul count was 15-12 favoring the visitors. The game was marred by six yellow cards with each team receiving three cautions.
Negrete took 10 shots in the game and put 7 of them on target on his way to the hat trick.
Marko Jovanovic (5-2) made eight saves in the loss, while USW's Humberto Estrada needed three saves to preserve the win.
The Rams will return to action on Wednesday, when they host Southwestern Adventist University in their final non-conference tune-up before beginning Sooner Athletic Conference action. That game is scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. start at Martin Field.
Ramblings
- The Rams are now 8-3 all-time vs. USW. They lead the all-time series with Southwestern Adventist 3-0.
