ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University Men's Soccer collected its first win of the 2018 season Wednesday night after getting a pair of spectacular goals in the first half. The War Hawks (1-1-1) would add another in the second half for the 3-1 victory over the University of the Southwest (1-2-0).
Senior midfielder Diego Paz wowed the crowd in the 34th minute, scoring on a bicycle kick off a deflected pass. That would give the War Hawks a 2-0 advantage that they wouldn't relinquish.
Just six minutes earlier, senior forward Rafael Lara gave the War Hawks a 1-0 lead on another highlight reel goal. After getting a steal near the right sideline, Lara lofted a perfect shot over the USW goalkeeper from 30 yards out.
"We dominated pretty well the first half, and then progressively got better in the second half," War Hawks Head Coach Tyler Tarango said. "We didn't have the shots that we wanted, but ultimately, we finished the game positively."
Sophomore midfielder Jordan Szcech put the game away in the 61st minute, giving the War Hawks a third insurance goal after scoring on a breakaway. USW would get a tally back in the 78th minute, but it would not be enough for the Mustangs.
The Mustangs outshot the War Hawks 15-10 on the night, including 11-3 in the second half and 10-6 in shots on goal. But junior goalkeeper Francisco Avilez had seven second half saves on his way to nine for the evening.
"I'm extremely proud of the guys for their work," Tarango said. "It was a really tough game, both physically and mentally, and we have to get ready for Saturday against Jarvis."
McMurry continues its homestand Saturday when it plays host to Jarvis Christian College at 1:30 p.m.
