SPRINGFIELD – The Missouri State women's soccer team lost a heart breaker in overtime to Indiana State, 1-0, on senior day at Allison South Stadium here Sunday.
Indiana State made the most of its opportunity in the first overtime as Audrey Stephens netted a pass from Sidney Ewing to give the Sycamores the 1-0 walk-off win in the 98th minute.
Before kickoff, the Missouri State senior class of Jordan Eickelman, Kaitlyn Maxwell, Bryn McQuaid, Lexi Palacio, Emma Skornia and Tarah Phongsavath were honored for their contributions throughout their careers which included 31 wins, an MVC Conference Tournament Championship and NCAA tournament appearance in 2017.
"It was fantastic to see the support for our seniors today," Missouri State head women's soccer coach Rob Brewer said. "It was a very emotional day at Allison South Stadium."
Skornia led an aggressive Bears offensive attack early as the Springfield product created many offensive opportunities for teammates while also putting two shots on goal in the first five minutes of the game.
Missouri State had two of its best looks in the first half. Abby Couch had a shot on goal that hit the left post in the sixth minute. Anna Durnin then also narrowly missed putting the Bears on the board in the 13th minute when her shot deflected into Indiana State's keeper Maddie Alexander's outstretched arms.
Both teams were held in check for the remainder of the first half as they entered the locker rooms scoreless.
The Bears threatened to break the draw in the 53rd minute when Jacqueline Baetz sent a shot towards the net, but ISU's Alexander was once again able to make the save. MSU's most pertinent offensive opportunity came in the 88th minute when Indiana State's Chloe Kooker fouled Skornia in the box setting up a penalty kick for the Bears. Kate Schroeder took the PK but was unable to capitalize as the Sycamores Alexander corralled her shot.
The match was extremely physical as 37 fouls were committed and three yellow cards were issued. Missouri State had the upper hand in fouls 22-15 while Indiana State had the advantage in yellow cards 2-1.
Overall, Missouri State outshot the visitors, 12-4, while also topping ISU in shots on goal, 7-3. The Bears ousted the Sycamores in corner kicks by the narrow margin of 3-2.
Kaitlin Maxwell was solid in her return from injury as the senior keeper made two saves while allowing one goal in 98 minutes of play. It was Maxwell's first action since Oct. 22, 2020. For the Sycamores, Maddie Alexander played a vital role in the win making six saves on her way to a clean sheet.
"We spent much of the match in a stronger position than our opponent," Brewer reflected. "Shots, corner kicks and saves all favored us. However, we failed to convert on our chances as three of our shots were saved on the line or hit the post. I give Indiana State credit for finding a way to get the win."
The Bears (2-6-2, 0-3-1 MVC) will be back in action again on Wednesday as they resume Missouri Valley Conference play at Drake (1-2-2). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. and the match will be televised on either ESPN3 or ESPN+.
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