ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Griffon soccer team (3-0-1) maintained its remarkable unbeaten streak with a 2-1 victory at home over the Sioux Falls Cougars (0-4-0) on Sunday afternoon.
 
"It's always tough when we've played a couple of days before to be able to come back and play at the level we need to win. I was pleased to see that they were able to see it out," commented head coach Jacob Plocher following the win. "Statistically, we were able to dictate the speed of play and the pace. We can still be more efficient and clinical, but we are four games in now and will continue to grow and get better."
 
Missouri Western opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Nicoletta Froehlich chipped in her first career goal with an assist from Kendall Knisley. Froehlich played the full 90 minutes and took three shots.
 
Lauren Nylund added her fourth goal of the season following a penalty from USF with only two seconds remaining in the first half. The senior has now connected on a penalty kick for the third straight match.
 
The Cougars picked up the pace in the second half, bringing the score within one with a goal from Mara Nelson in the 62nd minute. However, it was not enough to tame the Western offense, which fired off 14 shots in the second half in the one-goal victory.
 
MWSU finished the match with 26 shots, with 11 on goal. Rachyl Benavides led the team with five shots in her first start of the season, while Grace Apgar and Kaari Little made significant contributions off the bench, each with three shots.
 
Keeley Kroonenberg (2-0-1) collected one save in route to her ninth career win in goal. Brookelyn Buttolph and Katelynn Rowland helped anchor the Griffon defense after competing for the entire 90 minutes.
 
MWSU will return to action next Tuesday against Rockhurst. Kickoff will take place at 7:00 p.m. from Spratt Stadium.