DBU (1-3-0) vs MIDWESTERN STATE (3-2-1)
March 23 | 5:30 p.m. | Wichita Falls, TX | Stang Park

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COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF
The DBU Men's Soccer team continues Lone Star Conference play when they travel up to Wichita Falls to matchup with Midwestern State University on Tuesday, March 23rd at 5:30 p.m.

The Patriots are coming off of a tightly contested loss to Texas A&M – International this past Friday afternoon. DBU put in a good performance on the day and were able to disrupt the way that they Dustdevils were looking to play. All around the field, the Patriots were able to stay organized defensively and make interceptions and challenges all day that would limit the possession that International would see. One of the biggest reasons that the Patriots were able to limit the possession from International was the work in the midfield from Carlos Lara, Matthew Hayes and Mason Wallak. Wallak, normally an attacking minded midfielder, played box-to-box for the majority of the game and was able to aid the Patriots defensively through staying on the backs of the midfielders for the Dustdevils.
 
When they were in possession of the ball, the Patriots were able to ping it around the field and combine in the attacking third to create solid chances - out shooting the Dustdevils on the day. Multiple Patriots saw dangerous chances on frame and forced the International goalkeeper to make tough saves to keep the ball out of the net; none more dangerous than a chance that Jide Adesanya would see after he made a dangerous run to the near post and was able to connect off a cross from Wallak.
 
Through the style of play that they have solidified this year, the Patriots were able hold the ball for majority of the game against one of the teams in the LSC that is notorious for their own possession-based style of play.
 
Unfortunately, the Patriots would fall 2-0 on the day, giving up a goal in the first half and another towards the end of the game when they had pushed all their numbers forward to find an equalizer. DBU continues to build strong chemistry and momentum amongst themselves and looks to be improving week after week.

PATRIOT STORYLINES
 - Junior transfer Brock Bennison continues to step up for the Patriots. Since coming in halfway through the West Texas A&M game for the injured Jonathan Leach, Bennison has played every minute in the heart of the backline for DBU alongside Payton Franklin. The Southlake center back has put in solid shifts against each forward he has faced.

 - Matthew Hayes has worked his way back from injury for his side and was able to see his most minutes all year in Friday's game. Hayes, a staple in the middle of the park for Chip Dutchik last season, appears to be fully fit and ready to sit in the heart of the field for DBU and contribute to the defensive efforts, as well as the ball possession that this side has built this season.

 - The outside backs for DBU have been impressive all season long. Staying solid in their one-on-one battles and organized along the backline, each player who has seen time on the outside of the defense has been reliable for Dutchik's side. Going forward, these players have been attacking minded for the Patriots and are solid at putting balls into the box.

 - A stat that shows how dangerous the Patriots have been going forward is their 21 corners on the year, compared to their opponents at 16. DBU continues to get in threatening areas in and around the box, using combinations and off the ball runs to force dangerous set pieces from their corners.
 
 - Something that is noticeable among this side this year is the mentality that they bring. Playing in arguably the toughest conference in the country, the Patriots bring a "chip-on-their-shoulder" mentality each time the step onto the field and it shows. Every game they have played in this season, DBU has held their own and then some. Chip Dutchik's side will look to keep that mentality going as they head into the remainder of the season.
 
SCOUTING MIDWESTERN STATE
- The Mustangs finished the 2019 campaign with an overall record of 16-5 with a 2nd place finish in the LSC regular season standings. Midwestern State would go on to win the LSC tournament and make it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

- Midwestern State is currently 3-2-1 and sit in 5th place in the LSC standings. The Mustangs are led by Trevor Amann who has six goals on the year.

- MSU returns 2019 LSC Newcomer of the Year Adam Conway, 1st Team All-Conference selection Sebastian Venegas, 2nd Team All-Conference selections Carlos Flores and Taylor Lampe, and 3rd Team All-Conference selection Julia Barajas.

- Midwestern State Head Coach Michael Meachum is in his 3rd season at the helm for the Mustangs and his 10th on staff. During his 3 seasons in charge, Meachum has led the Mustangs to a 35-8-4 record with 1 conference championship, one conference tournament championship, and two NCAA Tournament appearances.

SERIES HISTORY
The Patriots are 0-5-1 all-time against the Mustangs.

UP NEXT
DBU will have another road contest as they travel up to Oklahoma City for their second match of the season with Oklahoma Christian University on Saturday, March 27th. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.