FORT WORTH - Texas Wesleyan University ( 6-5-0, 0-1-0 SAC) fell 3-2 to Wayland Baptist University (5-0-0, 2-0-0 SAC) in a tightly contested match at Martin Field on Saturday. Despite a strong offensive effort, the Rams couldn't overcome the Pioneers' second-half surge, led by Francis Motsi's two goals.

The Rams struck first in the 23rd minute when Louis Guffroy scored his sixth goal of the season, giving Texas Wesleyan a 1-0 lead. Wayland Baptist responded swiftly, with Motsi netting two goals in quick succession at the 28th and 30th minutes, assisted by Dario Catalan and Alvaro Pineda, respectively, to take a 2-1 lead into halftime.

In the second half, Wayland Baptist extended their advantage in the 66th minute when Jamol Williams scored his eighth goal of the season, assisted by Motsi. Texas Wesleyan fought back late, with Nathaniel Neang finding the net in the 86th minute, assisted by Pablo Bances, to cut the deficit to 3-2. Despite generating five corner kicks and multiple shots in the final period, the Rams couldn't find an equalizer.

Texas Wesleyan out shot Wayland Baptist 11-9, with notable efforts from Rudy Gonzalez, who hit the post twice, and Fabricio Martinez, who also struck the woodwork. Goalkeeper Axel Tonietto made six saves for the Rams, while Alex Neri stopped five shots for the Pioneers.

The match saw physical play, with Wayland Baptist committing 10 fouls and Texas Wesleyan drawing a yellow card on Leonardo Coronado in the 44th minute. The Rams' late push, including three corner kicks in the final 10 minutes, wasn't enough to overturn the Pioneers' lead.

The Rams wil look to rebound on the road Tuesday against USAO with the match scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.