ST. LOUIS, Mo.- After coming off a tough 3-2 overtime loss to Benedictine (Ill.), the Missouri Baptist men's soccer team ran into a tough Hannibal-LaGrange team that has been receiving votes in the NAIA top 25 poll. The Trojans scored three times in the first half, holding on for the 3-0 shutout win.
The team was looking for a quick start, as they could gain some momentum against a quick Trojan team. It was Hannibal-LaGrange controlling the first half, with the Trojans outshooting the Spartans 16-4.
After having most of their shots miss wide, Hannibal-LaGrange was able to find the back of the net in the 14th minute, off the foot of Mario Albero giving the Trojans a 1-0 lead. Less than two minutes later, it was Mikel Erdozain getting his first goal of the season, beating MBU goalie Nemanja Pandzic and pushing the lead to 2-0.
The Spartans tried to stay strong defensively, but it was Erdozain striking again in the 24th minute, extending the lead to 3-0 and getting his second of the game.
In the second half, the Spartans looked to push the offense by getting the ball out wide, which would open up the middle for MBU. The Spartan offense continued to get cut off by the Trojan defense, and was only able to manage five shots in the second half. MBU goalie Ethan Brunk, who replaced first time starter Pandzic, made key saves defensively, but it wasn't enough as the Spartans fell 3-0.
The team was outshot 28-9 in the game, with nine different Spartans recording one shot a piece. Besides Erdozain, the Trojans were led by Felipe Silva, totaling seven shots in the game, five of which landed on goal.
The Spartans will look to put a halt to their six game losing streak tomorrow afternoon at home against Mid-Continent University. Game time will start at 3:00 p.m.
