TISHOMINGO, Oklahoma -- Murray State topped the NOC Mavericks 4-2 on a hot day in Tishomingo.  Northern looked like a tired team playing their third road game in five days in ninety-five degree plus heat. 

Despite the fatigue and conditions the Mavs started the game fast with an early goal from Daniel Clarke just five minutes into the game.  Assanie Brown picked up the assist on a nice cross into the box.  Unfortunately for the Mavericks it was basically the last kick of the ball for Northern's leading scorer as he would exit the game with an injury and not return.  Murray State would draw even eight minutes later, and take the lead midway through the first half with another goal.  Kevin Ayala scored his second goal of the season to tie the game for the Mavs with just seven minutes left in the half.  Khan Mung was credited with the assist.  The first half scoring was not finished though as the Aggies would score what would essentially be the winning goal just before the break.

The Mavericks played better in the second half getting the majority of the possession, but were unable to create many chances.  They did have a great chance midway into the second half when Daniel Clarke was fouled in the penalty box creating a penalty kick for the Mavericks.  Jaron Frye's penalty kick was saved by the Aggie goalkeeper, and Murray State would score an insurance goal a few minutes later to put the game away.    

"Murray State deserved the win today," said coach Michael DuRoy.  "They were the better team.  We are still learning how to play so there are going to be some ups and downs.  I need to do a better job of not getting frustrated with every mistake.  The guys lack experience, and we don't have the talent level to dominate the conference the way we have over the past two years.  The main thing I'm trying to teach the guys right now is the level of effort that we are going to have to play with for ninety minutes every game in order to give ourselves a chance to win.  The mistakes are going to happen, but the effort has to be a constant."  

The Mavs continue their four game road stretch Wednesday at Eastern Oklahoma State at 4 p.m.