JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern soccer (2-10-3, 0-7-2 MIAA) dropped a close match to Missouri Western (9-2-4, 5-2-2 MIAA), 2-1, Sunday afternoon at Hal Bodon Field.
MSSU managed 15 shots with six on goal in the closely contested match.
The Lions now hold a record of 2-10-3 overall and 0-7-2 in conference play. MWSU stands at 9-2-4 overall and 5-2-2 in MIAA competition.
Presley Whitmire recorded an assist while also contributing three shots, one of which was on goal.
Talia Sanders scored a goal and managed two shots, with one on target.
Bella Smith made four saves while facing 16 shots, playing all 90 minutes in goal.
Zemira Dube provided an assist and added one shot with one on target.
The goal was Sanders' team-leading fourth of the season. She now has 11 points in 2025.
The helper was Dube's first career assist as a Lion.
The first half began with MSSU maintaining a solid defensive presence, with Smith making crucial saves early on, including a notable stop against Kendall Knisley in the sixth minute. The Griffons initially took the lead in the 21st minute with a goal from Knisley, assisted by Aidyn Woodall.
The Lions responded effectively when Sanders equalized in the 31st minute, with assists from Dube and Whitmire. The team continued to apply pressure, but MWSU's defense held firm. The period ended with the score tied at 1-1, setting up a competitive second half.
The second period commenced with Southern looking to break the stalemate. The Griffons took advantage early, as Knisley scored in the 59th minute with an assist from Alyssa French, giving the visitors a 2-1 lead. MSSU responded with several shot attempts, including efforts from Whitmire and
Olivia Hermann, but were denied by goalkeeper Katie Stoskopf.
Despite sustained offensive pressure and multiple corner opportunities, MSSU could not find the equalizer. A late chance by
Kennedy Williams went wide, leaving the home team trailing as the final whistle blew. The period ended with the Lions unable to change the scoreboard, concluding with a 2-1 defeat.
MSSU next hits the road for a pair of contests. The Lions face Central Missouri on Friday, Oct. 31 in Warrensburg, Missouri, before concluding the week at Newman on Sunday, Nov. 2. Game times are set for 2 p.m., CT and 6 p.m., respectively.
