Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern Women's Soccer team scored first but could not hold on to the 1-0 lead as Missouri Western rallied for the 2-1 win Thursday night at Hal Bodon Field.

The Lions (2-4-1, 0-2-0 MIAA) scored in the 33rd minute when sophomore Julia Liberty found the upper right 90. The goal was Liberty's first of the season and makes the fifth Lion to score this season. The Griffons (6-3, 1-1 MIAA) out shot Southern 6-3 in the first half, while the Lions had the advantage on corner kicks 4-3 with the goal from Liberty coming off one of the four corners.

Missouri Western came out in the second half and within the first five minutes got the equalizer when Sydney Cluck tapped in a cross from Cassidy Menke. The Griffons then took the lead in the 78th minute when Menke took a shot from the left side of the box that clanked off the right post and into the goal. Southern had a chance to tie it in the 85th minute but junior Taylor Beck's header was nullified by an offside call against Southern.

For the match the Griffons out shot Southern 17-7, but the Lions held the advantage in shots on goal 5-4 and corner kicks were even at 5-5. Liberty led Southern with two shots, one goal, and senior Hannah Cook also recorded two shots, one on goal. Sophomore Bailey North and freshmen Brianna Smith and Brianna Valencia both recorded one shot on goal each. Freshman Luz Galindo played all 90 minutes in the net for the Lions recording two saves while facing 17 Griffons' shots.

Southern will be back in action on Saturday as they host Northwest Missouri State (3-4-1, 1-1-0 MIAA). Kick off at Hal Bodon Field is scheduled for noon.