CLAREMORE, Okla. — Missouri Southern soccer (2-5-3, 0-2-2 MIAA) fell to Rogers State (1-4-4, 1-2-1 MIAA) 2-0 Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field.
MSSU dropped to 2-5-3 overall and 0-2-2 in conference play following the loss to RSU. Rogers State improved to 1-4-4 overall and 1-2-1 in MIAA action.
Bella Smith recorded seven saves for Southern, facing 18 shots on goal.
Presley Whitmire led the team in shots, managing four attempts with three on target.
Chloe Kondracki contributed with two shots, one of which was on goal.
Mara Becker added two shots, both of which were on target for the team, and was one of two field players who played the full 90 (
Kortney Davis).
The first half began with Missouri Southern on the attack, as
Nathalia Luiz and
Daniela Marquez both tested the Hillcats' defense early, only to be denied by goalkeeper Calais Butts. Despite persistent offensive efforts, including several attempts by Whitmire and Kondracki, MSSU could not find the back of the net.
Defensively, Smith, was active, making key saves against shots from Kelsey Hogan and others to keep RSU scoreless. Both teams traded possession, resulting in a scoreless draw at the end of the first half.
RSU capitalized on a key opportunity in the 80th minute when Kenzie Macklin found the back of the net, breaking the deadlock and putting the home team ahead. Missouri Southern's Smith was pivotal in goal, recording several saves to keep the Lions within striking distance. However, the Hillcats extended their advantage with a second goal in the 84th minute as Bella Holland scored, assisted by Courtney Castleberry, leading to a 2-0 advantage.
Missouri Southern continued to press, with Whitmire leading a late charge, but her shots were consistently saved by Butts. The game concluded with RSU maintaining its 2-0 advantage.
The Lions next return home to Joplin, Missouri, for a pair of contests. MSSU will host Washburn on Friday, Oct. 10 and then take on Emporia State Sunday, Oct. 12. Both matches will be contested at Hal Bodon Field with kickoff set for 6 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively.
