CANYON, Texas – It took nearly 81 minutes for the West Texas A&M men's soccer team to crack the fifth-ranked Midwestern State University defense, but the Buffs' late goal forced a draw at the Pitch on Wednesday night. WT moved to 2-1-3 with the draw while Midwestern State, 5-0-1, was held out of the win column for the first time this season.

Down 1-0 late in the second half, the Buffs needed a spark in the attacking third. WT forced a takeaway near midfield when Payne McKiver passed to Giancarlo Saldana on the Mustangs' side of the field. Saldana raced past the entire MSU defense and drew goalkeeper Adam Braman off his line. As the Mustangs' back line scrambled to get back, Saldana sent a ball across the face of the goal to Kenny Brown. Straight off the pass, Brown tapped the ball into the goal with the side of his foot, tying the game at one.
 
Following Brown's goal, the Buffs looked for a second goal. The MSU defenders shut down the WT attack, forcing four off target shots. Despite holding the lead for most of the game, the Mustangs were forced to settle for a draw.
 
The game started quickly but not before inclement weather forced kickoff to be pushed back 35 minutes. The Buffs registered their first shot at the 4:39 mark before Midwestern State went to the other side of the field with a shot at 5:40. The Mustangs got on the board in the 21^st minute. Midwestern State's Sulahmana Bah won control of the ball outside WT's 18-yard box, centering it near the penalty spot. Rory Doyle put the ball inside the near post. The Mustangs held onto the lead until Brown equalized the score.
 
The Buffs held a 14-5 advantage in shots, but Midwestern State led 4-1 in shots on goal. Alfonso Aragon made three saves on the night while Braman did not record a save.
 
WT continues rivalry play as they travel down Interstate-27 to face Lubbock Christian. The Buffs and Chaps kickoff at 3:30 at the LCU Soccer Facility.