JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Southern soccer (1-0-0) secured a 2-1 season-opening victory over Lincoln (0-1-0) Friday at Dwight T. Reed Stadium. Missouri Southern outshot Lincoln 18-4, with eight shots on goal.
The win marked head coach
Elliot Chadderton's first at the helm of the MSSU Lions program.
Talia Sanders scored a goal and led the team with six shots, three of which were on target. Freshman
Sophie Spoonmore netted the game-winning goal, contributing one of her three shots.
Bella Smith played a pivotal role in goal, recording three saves over 90 minutes to secure the victory.
The match began with Missouri Southern applying early pressure, including a saved shot by
Olivia Hermann in the fourth minute. Sanders later found the back of the net in the 18th minute to put the Lions ahead. Despite multiple offsides, the Lions kept up the offensive momentum, with
Daniela Marquez and Sanders both challenging Lincoln's defense.
Lincoln responded with a shot by Mia Greathouse saved by Smith.
A MSSU foul in the 43rd minute led to a successful penalty kick by Leah Serritos, leveling the score. The first half ended with both teams tied at 1-1.
The second half began with Southern applying consistent offensive pressure, highlighted by an early shot from
Presley Whitmire that went wide. Marquez's attempt was saved by Kanon Dehama, demonstrating the Lions' intent to control the match.
MSSU continued to press forward, with Sanders testing the home defense with multiple attempts, including a shot saved by Dehama. Despite several offside calls, MSSU maintained its attacking momentum.
In a crucial moment, Spoonmore broke the deadlock with a goal in the 88th minute, securing a lead for Southern. MSSU held on to its advantage, closing the match with a 2-1 victory over Lincoln.
MSSU continues its 2026 season with a Sunday matchup at Missouri S&T. First kick is set for 2:30 p.m., CT in Rolla, Missouri.
