BROWNWOOD - Texas Wesleyan University (6-3-0) secured a 2-0 victory over Howard Payne University (0-7-2) on Wednesday, with Joel Kisukulu and Chandler Brookins scoring goals in the second half.

The first half ended scoreless despite Texas Wesleyan dominating possession and outshooting Howard Payne 6-1. Adrian Villa, Howard Payne's goalkeeper, made five saves, denying shots from Rudy Gonzales, Fabricio Martinez, Peter Tenorio, Chandler Brookins, and Marco Montez. Howard Payne's lone shot came from Ethan Mauldin, which was blocked by a Texas Wesleyan team save. The period saw four corner kicks for Texas Wesleyan and two fouls each for both teams, with Texas Wesleyan called for two offsides.

The second half began with a significant setback for Howard Payne when Kylan Jones received a red card at the 45:25 mark, reducing them to 10 players. Texas Wesleyan capitalized on the advantage, with Kisukulu breaking the deadlock in the 68th minute, assisted by Martinez. Brookins  added his goal in the 86th minute, with an assist from Gonzales, sealing the 2-0 win. Texas Wesleyan took 10 shots in the second half, with Logan Laminack, who replaced Villa at halftime, making five saves for Howard Payne.

Texas Wesleyan's offensive pressure was evident, finishing with 16 total shots compared to Howard Payne's one. The Rams also earned seven corner kicks to Howard Payne's zero. Fouls were relatively even, with Texas Wesleyan committing one and Howard Payne three, alongside two yellow cards issued—one to Kisukulu and one to Mauldin.

Axel Tonietto earned the shutout for Texas Wesleyan, facing just one shot on goal. The match showcased Texas Wesleyan's depth, with substitutions like Kisukulu, Brookins, and Montez making significant impacts.

The Rams will open conference play on Saturday at Martin Field against Wayland Baptist University with the game slated to start at 3:30 p.m.