by John Starbuck, mcmurrysports.com staff writer

ABILENE, TEXAS – McMurry University fell in a tough 4-3 decision to future conference foe Schreiner University in their home opener Sunday, Sept. 10 at Wilford Moore Stadium.
 
McMurry was outscored 2-1 in the first half. They and the opponent each scored twice in the second frame.
 
Anthony Licea (Lake Highlands, Texas) scored his first goal of the season at the 39:25 mark off an assist from Bryan Rios (Rio Grande City, Texas) to bring the home fans to their feet in the opening 45 minutes.
 
Tension was evident not long after the second half started as both teams converted a penalty kick goal within 35 seconds. Dylan Caudle (San Angelo, Texas) made the one for McMurry at the 53:45 mark. Despite being down 4-2 on the scoreboard and a man down on the field over the final 37-plus minutes, head coach Marquis Muse's crew nearly overcame the obstacles.
 
Caudle got his second goal of the season at the 85:23 mark off an assist from Ahmad Al-Hendi (Dallas, Texas) to trim the deficit to one. The home side's offensive standout found himself with the ball at his feet again in the final seconds, breaking away from the Mountaineer defense. Unfortunately, his attempt was blocked away and the ensuing corner kick was off line.
 
Both teams had 14 shots with Caudle's five leading the way for the War Hawks. McMurry had three corner kicks compared to the opponent's one. Goalkeeper Griffin Cardwell (Plano, Texas) turned in four saves.
 
"Definitely a game we shouldn't have lost," head coach Marquise Muse said. "We made a couple of mistakes, and they punished us."
 
The defeat evened McMurry's record at 1-1-1.
 
Muse said the focus now is getting prepared for contests in Memphis, Tennessee against Hendrix College on Friday, Sept. 15, and Rhodes College Sunday, Sept. 17. The War Hawks don't play at home again until Sept. 30 when crosstown rival Hardin-Simmons visits.