Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern Lions had to come from behind, but they were able to defeat the visiting Central Oklahoma Bronchos 2-1 in a nonconference match Thursday night at Hal Bodon Field.

Central Oklahoma (4-2-1) struck first in the 25th minute on a score by Asha Haile from the assist of Caitlin Moore from 15 yards out and across the box. Missouri Southern (2-2-1) scored the equalizer in the 35th minute when freshman Jazzleen Wharry chased the ball down after a missed free kick from the Bronchos and took the ball on a breakaway to find a sliding freshman Brianna Smith for the equalizer into the upper left 90. UCO and the Lions went into halftime tied at 1-1 despite the Bronchos out shooting Southern 7-4. The Lions had the advantage in Shots on Goal (SOG) 3-1.

In the second haf the Bronchos came out shooting taking 11 shots, five SOG, to Southern's five shots, three SOG. Until about halfway through the second half it was still all knotted up at 1-1 until junior Taylor Beck played the ball into the box to find Wharry who beat the UCO goalie 1-on-1 for the eventual game winner in the 67th minute.

Smith led the Lions with three shots, two SOG, and the one goal. Wharry added one shot and one assist, Beck took one shot and tallied the assist on the game winning score, and freshman Ashton Denham contributed two shots, one SOG. Freshman Luz Galindo got the start in the net for the Lions playing all 90 minutes allowing just the one goal while recording five saves and facing 18 shots.

Southern will be back in action on Hall of Fame weekend as they host the RiverHawks of Northeastern State. Kickoff at Hal Bodon Field is scheduled for 2 p.m.