HAYS, Kan. — Missouri Southern soccer (2-3-2, 0-0-1 MIAA) notched a 0-0 draw with Fort Hays State (2-3-1, 0-0-1 MIAA) Friday evening at the FHSU Soccer Stadium.
MSSU is now 2-3-2 overall and 0-0-1 in conference play after its MIAA opener. FHSU moves to 2-3-1 overall and 0-0-1 in conference action.
Despite Fort Hays State registering 17 shots and Southern recording four, neither team could break the deadlock.
Goalkeeper
Bella Smith recorded a shutout while making two saves against 17 shots faced, playing the full 90 minutes in goal.
Nathalia Luiz managed one shot on goal from her two attempts during the match.
Jilliana Reese contributed to the attack with one shot, adding pressure to the opposing defense.
The first half commenced with MSSU creating early chances, as Reese took a shot just 39 seconds into play. The Lions continued to press forward with attempts from
Presley Whitmire and Luiz, although Luiz's effort in the 21st minute required a save from Fort Hays State's Hadley Ostrander.
Defensively, the Lions maintained composure as FHSU managed several shots, with Sydney Cotter and Taylor Hill directing efforts off-target. Despite the pressure, the half remained scoreless, concluding with the Lions holding steady and entering halftime at 0-0.
The second half began with a notable defensive effort from Smith, who made a crucial save against a shot from FHSU's Payton Porter in the 49th minute. Smith continued to anchor the defense, saving another attempt by Cotter in the 69th minute. Despite sustained offensive pressure from the Tigers, including several shots and corner kicks, the Lions maintained a solid defensive stance throughout the half.
The half closed with MSSU successfully holding FHSU scoreless, ensuring the game ended in a 0-0 draw. Both teams exhibited strong defensive plays, preventing any goals from being scored.
The Lions wrap the weekend Sunday at Nebraska-Kearney. Kickoff is set for noon, CT in Kearney, Nebraska.
