JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern Soccer (2-7-3, 0-4-2) was edged out by Emporia State (7-3-1, 4-0-1) in a tight 1-0 contest Sunday afternoon at Hal Bodon Field, with the Hornets holding on after scoring in the first half.
MSSU now holds a 2-7-3 overall record and a 0-4-2 mark in MIAA conference play. Emporia State improves to 7-3-1 overall and is 4-0-1 in league action.
Bella Smith recorded eight saves, including seven in the second half, keeping the game within reach for the Lions.
Nathalia Luiz managed two shots, with one on target, applying pressure to the opposition's defense.
Presley Whitmire contributed offensively with three shots, one of which was on goal.
Talia Sanders also added two shots, one hitting the target, as MSSU pushed to level the score.
The first half opened with Southern establishing defensive stability, with Smith making a critical save against a shot by Peyton Pipes in the 15th minute. Despite MSSU's efforts to create offensive opportunities, including a shot on target by Whitmire in the 22nd minute, the Hornets managed to find the back of the net at the 36th minute through Megan Jeremias, assisted by Ruby Ryan and Sammy Quiroz.
Missouri Southern continued to press, with
Kortney Davis testing Hornets' goalkeeper Mackenzi Goen, but the attempt was saved, maintaining the visitor's lead. The first half concluded with the Lions trailing ESU 1-0.
The second half began with MSSU looking to overturn a one-goal deficit from the opening half. Early on, Luiz forced a save from Goen, but the shot was well-handled. Smith played a pivotal role, making multiple saves, including a critical stop against ESU's Hailey Gancarz in the 49th minute to keep the game within reach.
As the half progressed, Sanders came close with a couple of attempts, although they were unable to convert. Smith continued to anchor the defense with several key saves, notably denying shots from Asta Kristindottir and Madeline Bracy, ensuring the scoreline remained unchanged. Despite MSSU's efforts to find an equalizer, the contest concluded with the Hornets maintaining their 1-0 lead.
MSSU next heads to Edmond, Oklahoma, to face Central Oklahoma on Sunday, Oct. 19. First kick is set for 1 p.m., CT.
