DALLAS – The Northwestern State soccer defense slowed a powerful SMU offense Sunday, challenging the Mustangs in a 2-0 loss in front of an ESPN+ audience at Washburne Soccer Stadium.

The Mustangs (1-0), who owned possession much of the night, peppered 17 shots on the NSU (0-1-1) back line, but goalkeeper Acelya Aydogmus made five saves as the defense held up for the majority of the night.

"We were solid defensively tonight and were able to cause a good SMU team some problems," head coach Stuart Gore said. "Even though the result wasn't desirable, I think we played well tonight."

SMU's Courtney Sebazco scored both goals for the Mustangs, both of which were up close attempts in the 16^th and 65^th minutes with Aydogmus.

It was a home match of sorts for the Northwestern State soccer team, who competed in front of a crowd of purple and orange cheering on more than 15 players hailing from East Texas.

A stiff SMU defense held NSU to three total shot attempts on the night, resulting in a 2-0 loss for the Lady Demons.

Although experiencing a limited number of opportunities throughout the contest, NSU initially had an opportunity to take an early lead and score its first ever point against SMU.

In the 14^th minute, sophomore midfielder Kyle Nolen took a corner kick from the left side and sent it high right, appearing to be just out of reach of Mustang goalie Samantha Estrada.

Estrada managed to get fingers on it, however failed to make the save. Officials eventually called a no-goal after finding that illegal contact was made on Estrada by NSU, keeping the score scoreless.

"The disallowed goal tonight really seemed to change the game for us, and me personally," Gore said. 

Chances at the goal appear to continue coming in multiples for the Lady Demons, as veteran attackers Olivia Draguicevich and Jalen Donaldson both fired off shot attempts in the 22^nd and 24^th minutes.

Draguicevich's try was a one-on-one opportunity inside the penalty box that was delivered bottom center, which was saved on the ground by Estrada. Donaldson's attempt went off target far left.

Through the remainder of the contest, NSU had only one more shot opportunity at the goal, which belonged to Donaldson in the 59^th minute. Donaldson fired an attempt at the net from far right just outside the box, which was thwarted by an SMU defender.

"It's all a process," Gore said. "I'm really seeing the team build into what can be a fantastic final product and enjoying watching this team grow together."

NSU continues its road series next weekend with a Friday match at Prairie View A&M.