FORT WORTH, TX - Texas Wesleyan Men's Soccer (1-9, 0-1 SAC) fell to Southwestern Assemblies of God (1-6-1, 1-0 SAC) 3-1 Tuesday night at Martin Field in a game that featured a combined 53 shots, the most in any game since 58 combined shots taken in a battle with SW Adventist September 3, 2014. The Rams took 55 of those shots that day.

TXWES launched 28 of the 53 shots against the Lions, the most opportunities in a contest since 36 shots were taken in a 14-0 win over Jarvis Christian September 1, 2017. Yet, the Rams were unable to find a 'w' against SAGU. A season riddled with injuries and frustration - at least in chunks - continued but for the seventh-straight game, Texas Wesleyan was competitive and a challenge to handle for opponents. In the program's last seven losses, the team has lost by two goals or less.

While SAGU took a 2-0 lead in the 67th minute, Texas Wesleyan immediately responded with a brilliant touch from Juan Rey, assisted by Claudio Barraza. It was Rey first goal of the season. But the backbreaker came just five minutes later, when the Rams committed a foul in the box, resulting in a Mazvita Chidarara penalty kick. Rams goalkeeper Bastian Blumenberg guessed left and Chidarara went right for his second goal of the match. 

Two of the last three games, Texas Wesleyan hit the crossbar on missiles launched from further than 18 yards away, but slammed against the crossbar only to be propelled back into the field of play. Tuesday, the Lions' Mario Banegas drilled a shot from long-range over Blumenberg's head, only to hit the crossbar and bounce in to break the scoreless tie.

Blumenberg recorded eight more saves, giving him 61 on the season, tying him for second most in the NAIA behind IU Northwest's (Indiana) Maxwell Higgins' 69.

Texas Wesleyan still dominates the rivalry with a 16-2-2 record all-time against the rivals from Waxahachie.

The Rams will face Southwestern Christian Tuesday October 1 for the final game of a nine-game homestand. The next four after that will be on the road, starting with Oklahoma Panhandle State on October 4.