ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University Men's Soccer remained in contention to the very end, but Howard Payne proved to be too much in a 3-1 setback at Wilford Moore Stadium on Thursday.

The War Hawks (3-10, 1-5 American Southwest Conference) allowed a goal in the 20th minute, but scored just 19 seconds later to even the score. The goal was scored by freshman Herbie Martinez for his first career goal. He was assisted by sophomore Santiago Nunez.

HPU (3-9-1, 1-5 ASC) regained the lead right before the half with a goal by Zachary Moreno. They added another goal early in the second half to make it 3-1, as Mike Santamaria won a foot race into an empty net and flicked it in right in front of the goal.

McMurry did not go down easy, hanging around with five second half shots and four corner kick opportunities. Despite the opportunities, HPU goalkeeper Eduardo Flores protected the net for a second-half shutout to finish with three saves.

Patterson battled and made a few heart-throbbing stops in the second half, finishing with four saves in 90 minutes of action.

The War Hawks had seven shots for the match, led by Martinez, Nunez and Kevin Serrano with two each and Andres Martinez with one. Serrano and Dylan Caudle played all 90 minutes.

McMurry and HPU are now one spot outside of eight place in the ASC standings – tied at 1-5. They trail ETBU – a team McMurry beat head-to-head earlier this season – with a 1-4-1 record.

Up next on the schedule is Sul Ross State, who is winless in conference play at 0-5. The two sides kick off on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. as part of McMurry's Homecoming at Wilford Moore Stadium. This will be the first time McMurry head coach Marquis Muse will face Sul Ross State – the program he started from scratch in 2018 as head coach.

The men's soccer program will also have its senior night on Saturday, honoring Andres Martinez, Christian Bryant and Beckham Guest with a special pre-game ceremony.