WICHITA, Kan. — The Missouri Southern soccer team was unable to find the back of the net in a 3-0 loss to Newman University on Sunday at Wilkins Field.
The Lions hold a record of 2-12-3 overall and 0-9-2 in their conference. Newman is 2-13-2 overall with a 1-9-1 mark in conference play.
Bella Smith recorded six saves while facing 11 shots.
Hailey Peters managed three shots, two of which were on goal.
Preslee Zeigler led the team with five shots, including two on target.
Talia Sanders added four shots, with two being on goal.
The first half commenced with Missouri Southern immediately challenging the Newman defense. Zeigler and Peters both tested Newman's goalkeeper, Carla Apodaca, within the first two minutes. Despite these early attempts, Southern could not find the back of the net.
Newman capitalized on their opportunity in the 9th minute, as Emma Kolbe scored with an assist from Delphine Sosu, putting the home team ahead. MSSU continued to press, with Zeigler and Sanders both having shots saved by Apodaca, maintaining the pressure throughout the half.
The half concluded with the Lions unable to convert their chances into goals, heading into the break trailing 1-0.
The second half began with Missouri Southern creating early pressure, highlighted by Sanders' shot in the 49th minute that was saved. The team continued to press forward, earning multiple corner kicks and additional shot attempts, including efforts from Zeigler and
Regan McIntosh, though they did not find the net.
Despite the offensive efforts, Southern faced a pivotal moment in the 69th minute when Newman converted a penalty kick, extending their lead. Newman's momentum continued with a second goal in the 74th minute. The Lions responded with a late shot attempt by Peters in the 88th minute, but it was saved, closing the half with Newman leading 3-0.
