ST. LOUIS – [BOX SCORE] Missouri Baptist men's soccer began the 2015 season on the wrong side of the scoreboard on Friday in the home opener. Clarke University scored in the 11th minute of play and held-on as the Spartans fell 1-0.
Missouri Baptist (0-1) has a sluggish start to the first 45 minutes of the season. The Crusaders worked deep into the Spartan zone and got a prime opportunity, which they were able to capitalize on. Anthony Pantaleo notched the first goal of the season for Clarke and made it a 1-0 game with a goal from 10 yards out.
Gerardo Espinoza nearly tied it for the Spartans late in the half. Last season's leading scorer nearly evened things up, but a pass to Chad Otec slid just wide.
The Spartans struggled with possession throughout the first half, though continued to pressure the zone with shots. MBU managed one shot on goal in the opening half, but fired seven total shots.
Missouri Baptist seemed to get a renewed sense of purpose after halftime as the team picked-up the pace in the offensive zone. The team recorded 14 shots, four of which were on goal in the final frame.
Rafael Rangel nearly posted the equalizer with just under seven minutes remaining. With just a few feet separating him from the goal line, the sophomore from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil put a ball just wide of the left post, which was, perhaps, the best opportunity of the night.
The Spartans will now head to Joliet, Ill., on Tuesday to try to even their record against University of St. Francis. Game time is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
