TMU men's soccer shut out by Hope International

Goal-scoring has been at a premium for The Master's University men's soccer team in 2019.
 
Entering Wednesday's match against Hope International, the Mustangs had scored 19 times in 13 contests.
 
With the end of the regular season just 10 days away, putting the ball between the pipes takes on even greater importance as the Mustangs fight to stay in postseason contention.
 
That fight took a hit Wednesday afternoon when TMU lost to the Royals 1-0 in Irvine.
 
"We struggled overall in the offensive side with creativity and quality service," said Mustang head coach Jim Rickard.  "Defensively, we were pushed, as well."
 
The Mustangs' third loss in their last five outings, all by shutout, dropped them to 6-6-2 overall and 1-3-1 in the GSAC, good for eighth place. 
 
The top six teams qualify for the GSAC Tournament that starts on November 9.
 
Five of the Mustangs' 13 shots were on goal but none found the intended target.
 
The last one came off the foot of Sam Johnston with 7:10 left to play, but Royal goalie Oscar Sierra made the final save of three he collected on the afternoon.
 
At the other end, Mustang goalie Price Anderson, the reigning GSAC Defensive Player of the Week, was looking for his sixth shutout.
 
That was spoiled in the 81st minute when Hope International turned a long ball into the match's only score as John Mejia beat Anderson with the game-winner.
 
Next up for the Mustangs is a trip to Phoenix and a match against Arizona Christian on Saturday afternoon.
 
"Hope is a deep team and that helped them late, as well," said Rickard.  "On to Arizona where things don't get any easier."