Missouri State women's soccer builds early lead, holds on for 2-1 exhibition finale win

Bethany Smith tallied the game-winning goal in the 9th minute of play

August 18, 2011|Missouri State Sports Information | cerwin@ky3.com

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The Missouri State women's soccer team scored twice in the first 10 minutes to earn a 2-1 win over Central Missouri at Cooper Field on Monday night. The win ends the Bears abbreviated exhibition slate.

"I thought we started really well," commented head coach Rob Brewer. "It was good to face some competition other than ourselves. I was most encouraged by the pep we had, but when they pressed us, we needed more composure."

Nia Williams got the scoring underway in the third minute of play. She picked up a loose ball near midfield, weaved through traffic and lifted a shot from about 25 yards out. Her kick sailed over the UCM goalkeeper into the upper right corner of the net.

Bethany Smith doubled the Bears' lead just six minutes later. Tiffany Laughlin started the play by directing a loose ball towards the net. After it ricocheted off of a defender, Smith took a turnaround shot, finding the lower left corner of the net.

Missouri State held a 2-0 lead at half, but the Jennies battled back in the second half. After some sustained pressure, UCM earned a free kick about 20 yards out. Jenna Stones lofted the free kick just over a leaping Chelsea Voet to cut the Bears' lead in half.

But Missouri State's defense held the Jennies scoreless the remainder of the match for the victory. Voet made five saves in the second half to hold the Bears' lead. Jessica Teahan made two saves in the first half.

Eight different Bears recorded shots in the match as Missouri State racked up 13 total shots. Katelyn Frederickson led the way with three shots. Smith, Jessica Roberts and Kelsey Fouch each tallied multiple shots.

The women's soccer team now readies itself for the regular season opener on Friday, August 19 at UALR. The team will play the first four matches on the road before the regular season home opener on Friday, September 2 with a 7:00 p.m. matchup against Kansas at Plaster Field.

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