BROWNWOOD, Texas – McMurry University Men's Soccer attempted to overcome a 2-0 halftime deficit on Saturday, but failed to complete its comeback with a 2-1 loss at Howard Payne.
The Yellow Jackets (4-12, 2-6 American Southwest Conference) found the net twice in the first half to take a comfortable advantage into the intermission. Senior Jesus Sanchez quickly brought back the pressure with a goal in the 52nd minute, but there was no equalizer for the War Hawks.
In a balanced contest, Howard Payne edged McMurry with a 16-12 shot advantage. HPU also put six shots on target to McMurry's three and fired up eight corner kicks. McMurry fought off all five corner attempts in the second half.
Playing without freshman Mark Pelaez in goal, junior Aidan Keane started the first 45:00 of the game and recorded two saves. Making his second appearance of the season, senior Francisco Avilez came on in relief and dealt a second half shutout in the final half with two saves.
Sanchez and junior DJ Jaime each had three shots to lead McMurry. Senior Jesus Gil set up Sanchez's second half goal for his fourth assist of the season – which ranks second on the team alongside Luis Lopez.
McMurry will now look to end a six-game winless skid next week, as the team hosts Concordia on Oct. 24 and Mary Hardin-Baylor on Oct. 26 as part of homecoming weekend. Both games kickoff at 7:30 p.m. at Wilford Moore Stadium.
Thursday's game is an "All Cancer Awareness" promotion. In a dual effort with McMurry Women's Soccer, donations will be accepted at the gate in an effort to help research efforts for multiple types of cancer.
