Game Recap By Don Gilmore, TMU Assistant Sports Editor

It’s difficult to find a silver lining after a disappointing defeat.

Curtis Lewis was able to do that after his 22nd-ranked Lady Mustangs were defeated 5-1 by No. 6 Vanguard in the GSAC opener for both clubs Thursday afternoon on Reese Field.

“If we play the way we played in the second half the rest of this year, we’ll be fine,” said the 11th-year head coach. “You try to have that positive outlook.”

Following a first half during which the visiting Lions (7-1) outshot TMU 14-4 and scored four times en route to a 4-1 halftime advantage, the Mustangs (7-3-1) were more aggressive over the final 45 minutes in creating numerous scoring opportunities while limiting the Vanguard attack.

Despite that, though, the lasting damage had been done in the first half when the Lions scored twice in the first 18:40 of play and then added two goals in a 5:34 window later to forge the three-goal lead at the break.

The Mustangs’ lone goal came on a Kellian Ahearn (pictured above) header off a pass from Hailey Gomillion that drew TMU within 2-1 at the 22:20 mark of the opening half.

It was Ahearn’s second goal of her senior season.

The Mustangs outshot the Lions 8-5 in the second half and put four shots on goal, all of which were saved by Lion keeper Haley Magana.

Here’s the box score.

Lewis’ post-match comments looked ahead to November when the GSAC Tournament takes place during the first 10 days of that month.

“You don’t face them (Vanguard) again, hopefully, until the championship game,” concluded Lewis.

That would be Nov. 10.

However, it’s still September and Lewis and his squad must be ready on Saturday when the Mustangs welcome Arizona Christian to Reese Field for an 11 a.m. start.