ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University Men's Soccer senior forward Rafael Lara scored a pair of second half goals to lead the War Hawks to a 2-1 win over Sul Ross State University in the American Southwest Conference opener for both teams.
The War Hawks got their first goal in the 67th minute after a shot by junior midfielder Miguel Esteban Jr. was saved and deflected by the Lobo goalkeeper, but ricocheted right into the chest of Lara. Lara gathered the ball and drove it into the back of the net to knot the game at a goal apiece.
Just several minutes later, Lara got his second goal of the evening after collecting a cross from the right from junior midfielder Jesus Gil. Lara headed the shot to the back right post to give the War Hawks the 2-1 advantage. Lara has now scored four goals in the last three games.
Sul Ross took the lead in the 20th minute after getting a breakaway and chipping it over junior goalkeeper Francisco Avilez's head. Avilez tallied one save on the evening.
McMurry outshot the Lobos 14-6 on the night, including 9-2 in shots on goal. The War Hawks also had four corner kicks to the Lobos' one. In a chippy game, 30 fouls were called as the Lobos were called for 17 and the War Hawks 13.
The War Hawks have a week off before traveling to LeTourneau University September 20 for their next ASC match.
