#16 Midwestern State pounds CSU-Pueblo 3-1

by Trey Reed
September 9, 2012

WICHITA FALLS, Texas - Andrew Power and Aaron Douthit tallied first half goals to lead No. 16-ranked Midwestern State to a 3-1 win over Colorado State-Pueblo Sunday afternoon at the MSU Soccer Field.

The win extended MSU's home field unbeaten streak which dates back to the 2007 season to 45 games, but the Thunderwolves created numerous problems for the Mustangs.

"You have to give them credit," MSU coach Doug Elder said. "They played hard. We have to expect everyone that comes here to know what playing here is all about so they are going to give you their best game."

Douthit was quick to a loose ball in the box in the game's 8th minute and tapped it Power, who laced his first goal of the season past CSU-P's Patrick Markis to give the Mustangs an early 1-0 lead.

The Mustangs struck again seven minutes later as senior forward David Freeland turned the corner down the left week and served a cross to Douthit, who volleyed it into the net for the two-game edge.

But the Thunderwolves battled back and controlled run of play through the start of the second half eventually pulling within a goal when Jon-Michael Krasovic came uncovered in front of the goal and headed the ball in to make the score 2-1.

"I told (the team) at halftime that they were going to come out, raise their level of play and come at us," Elder said. "We allowed them to do that by not responding to the energy."

Midwestern, however, persevered and junior forward Griff Stratford put the game away with a goal in the 89th minute.

The Mustangs' back line permitted a season-high 10 shots while MSU posted 14 shots including a 7-4 edge in shots on frame.

"We didn't create enough chances," Elder said. "Our decision making sometimes is not always the best but that's normal for a young team. We're sitting at 3-0 so I can't complain too much but I just know we need to get better."

Midwestern hits the road for a pair of tough regional matches next week. The Mustangs take on Texas A&M International Friday night at 7 p.m. in Laredo before battling St. Edward's Sunday afternoon in Austin.

Colorado State-Pueblo drops to 2-2 on the season.

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