Sunday, August 16
Springfield, Mo.
10:30 a.m.
Missouri State University
0-1-0, 0-0-0
0
vs
7
.png&width=60&height=60&type=webp)
Kansas
2-0-0, 0-0-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Missouri St. | 0 | 0 | 0 |
No. 15 Kansas Tops Bears in Season Opener
August 16, 2026 | Women's Soccer
SPRINGFIELD - Missouri State women's soccer opened the 2026 season regular season Sunday morning against No. 15 Kansas, falling 7-0 at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium.
Kansas broke through at the 6:02 mark when Kate Langfelder capitalized on a clearance and finished into the bottom-left corner. The Jayhawks doubled their advantage at 18:43 as Gianna Weiner sent a cross into the box for London De Fini, who finished the chance to make it 2-0.
Mo State's Kate Lewis helped keep the deficit at two heading into halftime, making three saves in the opening period. Emma Shields generated the best opportunity on the other end in the 21st minute, putting a shot on frame that forced a save from Kansas goalkeeper Sophie Dawe.
Caroline Castans extended the Kansas lead early in the second half, scoring at 50:32 before finding the net again at 61:08. De Fini assisted on both goals.
Marit McLaughlin added another at 74:52 off a feed from Livvy Moore before Faith Johnston scored twice in the closing minutes. Johnston finished a free-kick sequence involving De Fini and Sophia Mir at 84:25 and capped the scoring with an unassisted goal at 87:17.
The season opener allowed head coach Kirk Nelson to work deep into his roster against nationally ranked competition. Twenty-eight players saw the field, including all three goalkeepers, with 17 coming off the bench.
Next up, the Bears travel to Manhattan, Kan., to face Kansas State on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 5 p.m. before returning home.
Kansas broke through at the 6:02 mark when Kate Langfelder capitalized on a clearance and finished into the bottom-left corner. The Jayhawks doubled their advantage at 18:43 as Gianna Weiner sent a cross into the box for London De Fini, who finished the chance to make it 2-0.
Mo State's Kate Lewis helped keep the deficit at two heading into halftime, making three saves in the opening period. Emma Shields generated the best opportunity on the other end in the 21st minute, putting a shot on frame that forced a save from Kansas goalkeeper Sophie Dawe.
Caroline Castans extended the Kansas lead early in the second half, scoring at 50:32 before finding the net again at 61:08. De Fini assisted on both goals.
Marit McLaughlin added another at 74:52 off a feed from Livvy Moore before Faith Johnston scored twice in the closing minutes. Johnston finished a free-kick sequence involving De Fini and Sophia Mir at 84:25 and capped the scoring with an unassisted goal at 87:17.
The season opener allowed head coach Kirk Nelson to work deep into his roster against nationally ranked competition. Twenty-eight players saw the field, including all three goalkeepers, with 17 coming off the bench.
Next up, the Bears travel to Manhattan, Kan., to face Kansas State on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 5 p.m. before returning home.
#GoBears
Players Mentioned
GK
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's SoccerTeam Stats
KU
MOST
Goals
7
0
Shots
20
1
Shots on Goal
10
1
Saves
1
3
Corners
12
1
Fouls
9
9
Scoring Plays
.png&width=32&height=32&type=webp)
Kate Langfelder (1)
GOAL by KU Langfelder, Kate.
06:02
London De Fini (1)
Assisted By: Gianna Weiner
GOAL by KU De Fini, London Assist by Weiner, Gianna.
18:43
Caroline Castans (2)
Assisted By: London De Fini
GOAL by KU Castans, Caroline Assist by De Fini, London.
50:32
Caroline Castans (2)
Assisted By: London De Fini
GOAL by KU Castans, Caroline Assist by De Fini, London.
61:08
Marit McLaughlin (1)
Assisted By: Livvy Moore
GOAL by KU McLaughlin, Marit Assist by Moore, Livvy.
74:52
Faith Johnston (2)
Assisted By: London De Fini , Sophia Mir
GOAL by KU Johnston, Faith Assist by De Fini, London and Mir, Sophia.
84:25
Faith Johnston (2)
GOAL by KU Johnston, Faith.
87:17
Game Leaders
mid
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
Friday, August 14
Friday, August 14
Thursday, August 13
Wednesday, August 12
