EDMOND, Okla. — Samantha Glossup and
Talia Sanders both scored goals for the Lions as Missouri Southern soccer (2-8-3, 0-5-2 MIAA) fell to Central Oklahoma (5-4-5, 3-2-3 MIAA) 4-2 Sunday afternoon at Tom Thompson Field.
MSSU now stands at 2-8-3 overall and 0-5-2 in MIAA conference play. Central Oklahoma now holds a record of 5-4-5 overall and 3-2-3 in conference competition.
Sanders scored one goal, converting both of her shots into shots on goal. The tally was Sanders' third of the season and second in MIAA play. Glossup found the back of the net for her first career goal as a Lion and totaled two shots Sunday.
Bella Smith recorded a career-best matching 13 saves, facing 24 shots over 90 minutes of play. She now has 231 career saves which ranks fifth all-time in MSSU program history. Her 13 saves Sunday ranks tied for fifth for a single game at Missouri Southern.
Angelina Mendez contributed an assist, adding to the team's offensive efforts.
The first half commenced with Missouri Southern defending against an early surge from UCO, with goalkeeping by Smith proving crucial. Smith made several key saves, notably stopping shots from Rebekah George and Becca Tweedy, keeping the game level for much of the half. Despite these efforts, UCO found the net in the 31st minute when Jaci Decker scored with assistance from Caleah Carter, giving the Bronchos the early lead.
The Lions managed to push forward, with
Preslee Zeigler and
Ashten Holloway both testing UCO goalkeeper, Avery Bass, but their attempts were saved. As the half wound down, UCO extended its lead with a goal by Jordan Tanges in the 43rd minute. The first half concluded with MSSU trailing 2-0.
The second half began with the Lions making an impact as Glossup found the net in the 57th minute, narrowing the gap to 2-1. However, UCO quickly responded, with Lauren Piper scoring in the 59th minute, extending the home team's lead to 3-1.
MSSU continued to apply pressure, as Sanders, assisted by Mendez, scored in the 69th minute, bringing the score to 3-2. Despite this effort, the Bronchos' Evelyn Sydnes scored off a George assist in the 80th minute, securing the 4-2 win for UCO.
The Lions next return home to Joplin for a pair of MIAA games at Hal Bodon Field. MSSU hosts Northwest Missouri Friday, Oct. 24 and then takes on Missouri Western Sunday, Oct. 26. Game times are set for 6 p.m., CT and 2 p.m., respectively, over MSSU's Homecoming.
