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SPRINGFIELD – Downing the No. 2 team in the Missouri Valley Conference, Ashley Coonfield scored the game-winning goal in the Missouri State women's soccer team's (6-9, 2-2 MVC) 1-0 shutout over UNI, Saturday afternoon.
 
Delivering the first shot of the match, sophomore Kayleigh Putnam broke the ice with an attempt in the second minute that sailed high over the net. After another MSU shot, UNI maintained control of the ball for the next 10 minutes – registering five shots.
 
However, Missouri State jumped on the board in the 19^th minute of the match after drawing a foul that resulted in a free kick. Putnam took the ball out and connected with Coonfield, who was just outside the 18-yard mark. Coonfield artfully got around her defender and launched a shot that found its way into the back left corner of the goal to give the Bears the only goal they would need.
 
The Missouri State defense, led by senior Brooke Zimmerman and starting goalkeeper Lexi Palacio, worked hard to hold UNI scoreless through the remainder of the first half. Warding off three more shots, the Bears entered halftime with a 1-0 lead.
 
Returning from the break desperate to score, UNI nearly evened up the game in the 72^nd minute. The Panthers worked the ball deep into MSU territory and launched a shot that was deflected by Palacio. UNI's Brynell Yount fired off a shot from the rebound and her shot snuck its way into the goal. However, an offside call against the Panthers during play nullified the goal and the Bears maintained their one-goal advantage.
 
The MSU defense continued to hold the Panthers scoreless for the remainder of the match as Palacio picked up her first win and shutout in her five-save performance. Coonfield led the squad with six shots and the only four shots on goal. With the shutout, the Bears improve to 6-9 overall and 2-2 in league play.
 
Scoring Summary

• MSU – 19:48, Ashley Coonfield – beat defender, shot from 18-yds out into the left corner of the goal – assisted by Kayleigh Putnam.

 
Coming Up Next
The Bears return to Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium on Tuesday, Oct. 17, for a 6 p.m. matchup against Drake. For all the latest information on the Missouri State women's soccer team, visit missouristatebears.com or follow @MSUBearsWSoccer on Twitter.