DENVER – High-powered Midwestern State (Texas) showed its strength Friday night in a men's soccer season opener, but MSU Denver also displayed strong potential in a 5-3 setback at the Assembly Athletic Complex.
 
"They showed why they're a good team, because they punished our mistakes, and we need to clean those things up," MSU Denver coach Nick Kirchhof said. "But I was very proud of our responses every time. We had moments, and we had more opportunities to get on the scoresheet."
 
Midwestern State, ranked eighth in Division II, scored at 13:00, but MSU Denver answered 1:23 later, as Dallas Baer got behind the defense to run onto a long pass by Parker Landry and tie the game.
 
Midwestern State scored again at 22:06 and 31:44, but the Roadrunners cut the deficit to 3-2 on Nicco Schiappa's header off a Landry corner kick at 42:19.
 
The Mustangs got the momentum back just before halftime, though, scoring with 37 seconds left for a 4-2 lead.
 
Still, MSU Denver cut it to 4-3 early in the second half as Luke Bone stole a pass just outside the 18-yard box and quickly scored at 53:39.
 
MSU Denver was pushing for the equalizer, but Midwestern State scored at 78:48 to get some breathing room.
 
"I'm proud of the effort the guys gave," Kirchhof said. "They were just a little bit sharper, cleaner in some areas, and they showed why they've been a top team in our region."
 
Midfielder Charlie Matsumoto had an excellent chance on a well-struck shot that was saved, and Cooper Landry was just high on a header. Nick McNeil was outstanding with seven saves.
 
"This was a great opportunity to see where we're at, and I have even more belief that we have a good group and that we can put some results together," Kirchhof said.
 
MSU Denver plays host to West Texas A&M at noon Sunday at the Assembly Athletic Complex. Picked to finish second in the Lone Star Conference behind Midwestern State, West Texas A&M played Regis to a 2-2 tie on Friday.