GAME NOTES

CANYON, Texas - The West Texas A&M men's soccer team will host its final two home games of the season this week. The Buffs will first host No. 2 Midwestern State on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at The Pitch. Then on Monday, Nov. 2, the Buffs will honor their six seniors before facing off against Lubbock Christian. Kick off is set for 7 p.m.
 
ON THE WEB
WT will provide live stats and video for both the match on Thursday and Monday. Find the links by clicking on the Men's Soccer schedule at GoBuffsGo.com. Also follow @BuffsMensSoccer on twitter to get updates during the match.
 
SCOUTING #2 MIDWESTERN STATE
The Mustangs enter this week having won their last five matches by a combined score of 18-3. The only blemish in MSU's record came in a 2-2 tie against Lubbock Christian on Oct. 5.
 
As a team, the Mustangs lead the nation in assists per game (3.31) and shots per game (21.92) and rank in the top five in seven other categories. Albert Rodriguez has scored 14 goals so far this season which ranks him 10th in the nation. He is ranked in the top 10 in four other categories: points per game (fifth), goals per games (sixth), shots per game (fifth) and game-winning goals (eighth). Ben Clarvis leads the team in assists (six), followed by Rodriguez and Erick Chapa with five a piece.
 
The Mustangs have used three different goalkeepers during the season with Brice Gardner seeing action in the past three matches. During his time as the starter, Gardner has only allowed one goal while making nine saves.
 
MIDWESTERN STATE VS. WEST TEXAS A&M- THE SERIES
- The Mustangs have won five straight in the series, including three in overtime.
- WT has an all-time record of 17-25-3 against MSU.
- The Buffs haven't defeated MSU at home since Nov. 12, 2012.
- WT holds a record of 4-6-0 against a ranked MSU side.
 
SCOUTING LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN
The Chaps enter the matchup with the Buffs have lost four of their last six matches with those two wins coming against Dallas Baptist and Eastern New Mexico.
 
The Chaps, like the Buffs, use a balanced attack on offense. Tommy Fogarty-Cameron leads the team with six goals, two of those coming in the last three matches. Mbongeni Ndlovu is second on the team with five goals while Kwame Adu-Wusu sits third with four goals. Look for Mickey Brunton to orchestrate the offense as he leads the team with five assists.
 
Tristen Putnam has started 13 matches for the Chaps including two shutouts and five victories. But it was Fernando Rios who got the start against St. Edward's in their last match. The duo has combined for 44 saves while facing 176 shots.
 
LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN VS. WEST TEXAS A&M- THE SERIES
- The all-time series is tied at 1-1-0.
- LCU defeated the Buffs, 2-0, in their last meeting on Nov. 6, 2014. 
- Chase Withrow and Daniel Angloher both scored against the Chaps in the Buffs 4-1 victory on Sept. 16, 2013.
 
BUFFS STATS
- The Buffs have outscored their opponents, 14-7, in the first thirty minutes of matches this season.
- The Buffs currently have a record of 5-1-0 at The Pitch this season which matches the best record since 2013.
- WT has outscored their opponents 16-6 at The Pitch this season.
- The Buffs have a record of 1-3-6 in their 10 matches that have gone to double overtime. That lone win came against Midwestern State on Oct. 21, 2012.
 
COACHES THOUGHTS
WHAT IS THE MESSAGE TO THE TEAM HEADING INTO THE WEEK?
"Win. The message has been to not fear the opponent but still respect them. I have learned over the years that the games that scare me aren't these types of games. We need to help manage the emotion of the kids and not let them get too high. We need to not let that emotion affect how we prepare for this match. We still have plenty to work on and it's our job to make sure that we are ready to play Midwestern."
 
WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING FROM MIDWESTERN STATE?
"They are playing a little bit different style of soccer than they have in the past. Since coach Elder has been there, they have played the same way but has changed it a little bit. I feel that has happened to fit the personnel that he has on team. I still expect them to come out in a 4-3-3. They are athletic upfront and I expect them to be fit and organized.But we aren't going to let that affect how we play our game. We are still going to press forward and get as many goals as we can."