Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern soccer program's comeback attempt fell just short today against #18 Central Missouri as Ella Durocher scored twice in the 3-2 defeat in a warm and sunny game at Hal Boden Field this afternoon.
 
The Lions (1-3-2, 0-0-0 MIAA) got on the board in the 16^th minute following a Jennies' (5-1-0, 0-0-0 MIAA) goal to make it 2-0. Banner Williams took the restart kick sending it long to Elisabeth Pujado before she laid it off for Durcoher to slot home making it 2-1. Central Missouri responded in the 23^rdminute off a penalty kick to make it 3-1 heading into the halftime period. The advantage in shots (11-6) and shots on goal (5-1) belong to the Jennies.
 
Coming out of the half the Lions drew close again as a Durocher shot was blocked, recovered by herself, and scored on the ensuing kick cutting into the Jennies lead 3-2 after 58 minutes played. The Lions had shots on goal by Emilie Lafrenz, Lainey Waldron, Jori Hays and Pujado in the remainder of the second half. 
 
The Jennies hit the left post from point-blank range in the 66^th minute. Following this shot the teams traded possessions and scoring opportunities while subbing more frequently as the heat was bearing down on both teams. 
 
Leading the charge for the Lions was Durocher with two goals off three shots, while Lafrenz and Pujado collected their first assists of the season. Mackenzie Scholtz tied with Durocher for the team lead in shots getting off three as well. In goal Riley Laver collected five saves playing in all 90 minutes.
 
For the ranked Jennies Sydney Leslie had a game-high nine shots (five on goal) while getting two goals. Kassie Newsom and Caroline Cole recorded four shots, and Lindsey Johnson collected four saves in her 90 minutes between the posts.
 
Up next for the Lions is Northwest Missouri on the road. Kickoff from Maryville on September 24^th is set for 3:00 pm.