MARSHALL, Minn. -- For the second straight game, the Missouri Western women's soccer team battled through a scoreless 90 minutes, but the no. 24 Griffons were able to break through in overtime with a 1-0 win over Southwest Minnesota State. Eszter Toth made her first goal in black and gold a memorable one, with a 99th-minute game winner from 35 yards out.
After an evenly matched first half, Missouri Western had the better of the offensive possession in the second 45. MWSU held the Mustangs to just one shot in the second half, but despite seven corner kicks for the Griffons, regulation ended at 0-0.
Missouri Western kept pressing SMSU from the opening whistle of overtime. Kaili Campbell nearly ended it in the 96th minute, but her shot was saved by Meghan Harkin.
The Mustangs struggled with the Griffons' high line, and Toth took full advantage. The Bakersfield, Calif., native forced a turnover in midfield, then played the ball to Tina Palmieri on the left. Toth's marker retreated to keep Palmieri from charging down the wing, but the Griffon midfielder played a pass back to Toth, who turned and rocketed the game winner over a retreating Harkin.
Anna Mayer collected three saves in the shutout win, moving the Griffons to 3-0-1 on the season.
Missouri Western opens its MIAA schedule on Friday night, continuing the road swing with a trip to Joplin, Mo. Kickoff against Missouri Southern State is set for 6 p.m.