ST. LOUIS – [BOX SCORE] The Spartans cut a two-goal deficit in half with a late goal, but their comeback attempt fell short in a 2-1 loss to Columbia College Wednesday afternoon.
Missouri Baptist (3-11) hung tough with the Cougars all afternoon, only trailing by more than a single goal for a mere 19 minutes. Columbia (15-2) remained undefeated in conference play with the win.
The Cougars were on the attack for a majority of the first half and outshot the Spartans 11-3. However, the only shot Columbia put into the net was a Mark Steiniger shot in the 15th minute. Josh Phillips had the best scoring chance for Missouri Baptist right before the end of the half. His free kick nicked off the crossbar and out of bounds in the 42nd minute.
The second half featured a much more even battle. Both teams traded shots early, including Erick Ocampo's near goal in the 49th minute. The Cougars eventually struck first when Edin Campara floated the ball past Spartan goalkeeper Brendan Carnahan in the 61st minute to extend Columbia's lead to 2-0.
Missouri Baptist continued to fight and eventually found the net in the 81st minute. Thales Teixeira sent the ball forward to Gerardo Espinoza, who tracked it down. Espinoza took a few dribbles before rifling it into the net to cut the deficit in half. It was the sophomore's fifth goal of the season.
Despite a valiant effort, the Spartans comeback attempt came up short. Carnahan recorded five saves in the loss, while Eduardo Mendes-Maia led the Spartans with three shots.
The men return to action Saturday afternoon against Freed-Hardeman. Kickoff is set for 3:00 pm.
