KEARNEY, Neb. — Missouri Southern soccer (2-3-3, 0-0-2 MIAA) registered a 0-0 draw with Nebraska Kearney (2-3-2, 0-0-2 MIAA) Sunday afternoon at Ron & Carol Cope Stadium.
MSSU now holds a record of 2-3-3 overall and 0-0-2 in MIAA play. It's the best start to conference play for the Lions since they started 2-0-0 in 2018.
UNK stands at 2-3-2 overall with a 0-0-2 record in conference action.
Both teams recorded seven shots Sunday, with each goalkeeper making two saves to maintain clean sheets in the conference matchup.
Bella Smith recorded two saves to secure a shutout in her 90 minutes as goalkeeper. The Olathe, Kansas, native, notched her second-straight shutout of the weekend and now has three clean sheets in 2025 (8 in career, fourth in MSSU program history).
Jilliana Reese registered one shot on goal, contributing to the offensive efforts.
Presley Whitmire led the Lions in shots with three, including one on target, to maintain pressure on the opposing defense.
The first half kicked off with MSSU establishing a defensive presence, as Smith made an early save on Hanna Schimmer's attempt in the second minute. The Lions then sought to capitalize on a corner kick opportunity at the 16:30 mark but were caught offside shortly afterward. Whitmire was active in the attack, recording a shot in the 28th minute that narrowly missed the mark.
Missouri Southern and Nebraska-Kearney both displayed aggressive play, resulting in multiple fouls from both sides.
Angelina Mendez received a yellow card in the 37th minute, highlighting the competitive nature of the half. The first half concluded with neither team able to break the deadlock, leaving the score at 0-0.
The second half began with MSSU aggressively seeking to break the deadlock. Reese tested UNK goalkeeper Susie Bovaird with a shot in the 47th minute, but it was saved. Southern continued to apply pressure, evident from multiple shots and a series of corner kicks, including one at the 77th minute.
Despite maintaining offensive pressure, MSSU was unable to capitalize on their chances, with key attempts from
Talia Sanders and Whitmire either saved or off-target. The defensive line held firm, as Smith recorded a critical save in the 48th minute. The period concluded with both teams unable to find the back of the net, ending in a scoreless draw at 0-0.
The Lions next return home for a matchup against Northeastern State University Friday, Oct. 3 at Hal Bodon Field. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m., CT in MSSU's Pink Game.
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