ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Missouri Western soccer team (7-0-1, 2-0-0 MIAA) used second-half heroics to remain undefeated with a 4-2 victory over Rogers State (1-6-0, 0-1-0 MIAA) on Friday night.
"We stayed calm and composed, knowing we had time, and just executed and finished chances," head coach
Jacob Plocher commented on the second-half rally. "We overcame a little bit of adversity and responded like we have all season long."
With tonight's victory at Spratt Stadium, MWSU extended its winning streak to six and added to a program-best start to the season. In addition, they improved their series history over RSU to 4-1.
The Griffons struggled to find a rhythm in the first 45 minutes. Rogers State struck first with a goal from Hannah Schulze, assisted by Amaris, in the 27th minute and held the lead into the halftime break.
In the 59th minute, an own goal from the Hillcats evened the match a 1-1 before
Elisabeth Pujado chipped in her first goal of the season off a well-placed volley from
Rachyl Benavides seven minutes later to give Western its first lead of the night.
Both teams traded penalty kicks later in the match, with RSU's Alix Tirado-Negrete finding the net in the 73rd minute and
Lauren Nylund cashing in the game-winner in the 86th minute - the seniors fourth PK and fifth goal of the season.
Corinne Stewart secured the victory with her second goal of the season. The junior scored from long distance in the 89th minute, sneaking the ball past the Hillcat keeper who was positioned beyond midfield.
The high-octane Western offense delivered once again with 22 shots, led by
Annie McDevitt who fired off a match-leading five. Additionally, MWSU forced 15 corner kicks compared to RSU's two.
Senior
Sophie Wellinghoff (2-0) made her second start of the season in goal. The senior collected a season-high three saves in the victory.
Defensively, the Griffons limited the Hillcats to just six shots.
Aidyn Woodall, McDevitt, Nylund and
Brookelyn Buttolph all played complete 90-minute games.
Missouri Western will return to action next Friday on the road against the Newman Jets at 7:00 p.m. in Wichita, Kansas.