If the Fort Lewis College men’s soccer team was looking to make a good first impression, Friday on the road against No. 22 Midwestern State provided the proper stage.

The Skyhawks defeated the Mustangs 3-1 on Friday in Wichita Falls, Texas, in their season opener.

FLC (1-0-0) managed possession well and provided the kind of clinical touch in front head coach Oige Kennedy was looking for.

“We controlled possession and had really good opportunities and were clinical in front of goal,” Kennedy said.

Yannis Becker, last year’s leading scorer, got things started with a goal in the 23rd minute to put FLC up 1-0 on an assist from Casey Dean.

B.A. Catney pulled the Mustangs even in the 51st minute on a feed from Chase Robertson.

Jordan Alexander put the Skyhawks up for good on FLC’s only shot of the second half, scoring off an assist from Elliot Prost in the 61st minute for a 2-1 FLC lead.

Midwestern State put the ball in the back of its own net in the 64th minute for an own goal. Kennedy said Aaron Kloer played a strong cross in front of net, and the defender, trying to keep FLC’s runners from scoring into an open net, accidentally put it into his own.

Ryan Schaul made six saves to pick up the victory in net for FLC.

“It was a great result,” Kennedy said. “Big crowd, Friday night, under the lights ... our guys really were up for it, and I’m proud of every single one of them the way they played (Friday).

FLC will face another quality test against St. Edwards on Sunday in Austin, Texas.

heraldsports@durangoherald.com