JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern soccer (2-9-3, 0-6-2 MIAA) dropped a 3-1 decision to No. 23-ranked Northwest Missouri (10-3-0, 7-1-0 MIAA) Friday afternoon at a rainy, Hal Bodon Field.
MSSU now holds an overall record of 2-9-3 and a conference record of 0-6-2. The Bearcats now stand at 10-3-0 overall and 7-1-0 in MIAA play.
Bella Smith recorded six saves, facing 15 shots in the game. She now has 250 in her career at MSSU (76 in 2025) and ranks fourth all-time in program history.
Nathalia Luiz scored the Lions' lone goal, also leading the team with two shots on goal out of three attempts.
Talia Sanders contributed an assist and added one shot on goal.
For Luiz, a senior from Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, the goal was her second of the campaign and increased her point total to five.
Sanders registered her third helper in 2025 and paces the Lions with nine points.
The first half began with Southern applying pressure early, as Sanders tested the opposing goalkeeper, Lily Ellis, with a shot in the opening minutes. Despite the initial attacks, NW Missouri took the lead in the 12th minute with a goal from Makenna West. MSSU responded swiftly, equalizing just 30 seconds later through Luiz, assisted by Sanders.
As the half progressed, NW regained the lead with West's second goal in the 18th minute. MSSU continued to challenge Ellis, with multiple shots saved, including attempts by
Preslee Zeigler and Luiz. The first half concluded with the Lions trailing 2-1 but consistently pressing forward in search of another equalizer.
The second half began with MSSU immediately creating opportunities, as
Mackenzie Poinier took an early shot just after the restart.
Presley Whitmire and Luiz also tested the Bearcats' defense with attempts on goal, but Ellis managed to keep them at bay with her saves. Smith showcased her defensive skills by saving multiple shots from the visitors, including attempts by Ximena Arnau and Margaret Madden.
Despite the solid defensive efforts, NW Missouri broke through with a goal from Berkleigh Salmond in the 86th minute, extending its lead. MSSU continued to press forward, but the match closed with the score at 3-1 in favor of the Bearcats.
MSSU next hosts Missouri Western Sunday at Hal Bodon Field. First kick is set for 2 p.m., CT.
