PITTSBURG, Kan. – Griffon Soccer (7-3-5, 4-3-2 MIAA) suffered a 1-0 setback against No. 8 Pittsburg State (12-0-4, 6-0-4 MIAA) on Sunday afternoon at Gorilla Soccer Pitch.
The Gorillas scored the lone goal of the match in the 21st minute, finding the back of the net at the 20:21 mark to take an early 1-0 advantage. Despite the early deficit, Griffon Soccer continued to battle throughout the opening half.
MoWest recorded two shots in the first 45 minutes, including a shot on goal by Marielle Wright in the 29th minute that was saved by the Pittsburg State goalkeeper. The Gorillas held a 10-2 advantage in shots entering halftime.
In the second half, goalkeeper Morgan Byrd delivered a strong performance between the posts, recording all nine of her saves in the final 45 minutes to keep MWSU within striking distance. Byrd made three saves in the opening seven minutes of the second half and continued to turn away scoring opportunities throughout the period.
The Griffons looked to find the equalizer in the 75th minute when Kendall Knisley registered a shot that sailed high. However, MoWest was unable to break through as Pittsburg State held on for the 1-0 victory.
Pittsburg State finished with a 23-3 advantage in total shots, including a 10-1 edge in shots on goal. The Gorillas also held a 6-0 advantage in corner kicks. Byrd played all 90 minutes in goal for MWSU, finishing with nine saves.
The loss moves Griffon Soccer to 7-3-5 overall and 4-3-2 in MIAA play, while Pittsburg State remains unbeaten at 12-0-4 overall and 6-0-4 in MIAA play.
Up Next
Griffon Soccer returns to St. Joseph to close out its regular-season home schedule with two MIAA matchups at Spratt Stadium. MoWest will host Rogers State on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 PM before welcoming Emporia State on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 1 PM.
The Griffons will celebrate Senior Day following Friday night's match against Rogers State.
