ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University gave the top team in the American Southwest Conference all they could handle on a rainy Thursday night, but the War Hawks' men's soccer team fell just one goal short of the upset with a 1-0 defeat to Concordia University Texas at Wilford Moore Stadium.
The shutout loss was McMurry's first time without a score since Sept. 7 against Texas Lutheran. Furthermore, the War Hawks (5-9-1, 2-6-1 ASC) have lost by only one goal in five of their last seven matches.
Meanwhile, Concordia improves to a 7-1-1 conference record to remain atop the standings. The Tornados are 9-5-2 overall.
In cold and wet conditions, the two sides battles in a defensive struggle. Concordia scored early for the lone goal in the game, as Victor Gomez's shot ricocheted off the chest of keeper Francisco Avilez and landed in front of Xavier Polk who finished the score.
Outside of the sixth minute goal, Avilez had a clean game with five saves on the night to keep McMurry in striking distance.
Concordia held an 11-5 shot advantage for the contest. Four of the five McMurry shots came in the second half.
Senior Miguel Esteban Jr. had three shots with one shot on frame, while junior DJ Jaime had the other two shots for McM.
Up next for McMurry is the team's senior night game, as the War Hawks welcome Mary Hardin-Baylor at 7:30 p.m. at Wilford Moore Stadium. Prior to kickoff, the program will honor six seniors in a special ceremony.
