Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern soccer program hits the road tomorrow and Sunday against MIAA opposition in non-conference action as conference play nears.
Southern begins the week with #19 Central Missouri on Friday with kickoff from the South Recreation Complex set for 7:00 pm. Following the game against the Jennies the Lions will face off against Missouri Western on Sunday at Spratt Memorial Stadium with kickoff set for 1:00 pm against the Griffons.
The Lions (0-3) played Rockhurst at home and Drury on the road last week in tight battles against the Great Lakes Valley Conference teams. For the season
Ella Durocher has scored a goal and
Ashley Koepp collected the assist while having seven shots so far this year.
Mackenzie Scholtz leads the team with eight shots and two shots on goal this season.
Riley Laver has 18 save in 270 minutes of play so far this season as well.
Central Missouri (3-0-1) was picked to win the MIAA in the Preseason Coaches' Poll this year after winning the MIAA Tournament last year and making it to the NCAA Quarterfinals where they lost to eventual National Champions Grand Valley State. The Jennies were in Michigan last week picking up a 2-2 tie with #1 Grand Valley State and a 3-1 win over Davenport. This season Central Missouri is being led by Caroline Cole with five goals off 17 shots with 11 being on goal this season, Julia Kristensen and Ashleigh Martin have provided two assists each to lead the team in that category. Sydney Beck has 11 saves in four games with a 1.50 GAA and .647 save percentage with no shutouts this season.
Missouri Western (1-2-1) was picked to finish fifth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll after finishing fifth last year and made it to the MIAA Tournament where they lost to Central Oklahoma in the first round. The Griffons are coming off a goalless tie against Southwest Minnesota State before capturing their first win of the season 1-0 against Augustana at home. Kaili Campbell and Jaden Skinner have a goal each with Campbell firing off 20 shots with nine being on goal to lead the team. In goal Keeley Kroonenberg has 19 saves in four games with a 1.00 GAA, .826 save percentage and two shutouts while also being picked the MIAA Goalkeeper of Week Two.
Following this weekend, the Lions will host Northwest Missouri and Missouri Western on Friday the 16th and Sunday the 18th. The game against the Bearcats will be the last non-conference game against conference opposition with the Griffons rematch being the first MIAA game of the year for both programs.
