ST. LOUIS – [BOX SCORE] Missouri Baptist dug itself out of two, one goal deficits and weathered a couple close calls in the second half on Tuesday, but allowed a goal early in overtime as it dropped its second game of the season to University of Saint Francis (Ill.) 3-2.

Missouri Baptist (0-2) began Tuesday evening's match down by one almost immediately as the Fighting Saints cashed-in on the first set piece of the game. Ivan Surlina scored in the second minute on a header from a corner kick to give the home team a 1-0 lead.

Saint Francis pressured early, but the Spartans responded as the half continued. Missouri Baptist posted eight shots in the first half and finally broke through on a penalty kick in the 24^th minute. Luka Milcic recorded his first goal of the season and tied the match at one.

After the break, Missouri Baptist nearly took the lead just over three minutes into the second half. Gerardo Espinoza hit the post in the 49^th minute in a bid for his first goal of the season.

The Fighting Saints, however, took their second lead of the match just over nine minutes into the second half. Anthony Coletti scored from 25 yards out on the right side to give his team the 2-1 lead in the 55^thminute.

Exactly one minute later, the Spartans tied the game yet again. Josh Phillips posted his first goal of the season on a header to even the score at two apiece.

The game extended into overtime, though the final 33 minutes were not without excitement. The Fighting Saints looked to have regained the lead in the 77^th minute, but due to an offside call, the goal was disallowed.

Missouri Baptist looked for its first win of the season in overtime, but Saint Francis had other ideas. Ivan Surlina scored on his second shot of the additional frame, in the 95^th minute, as the Spartans were handed their second consecutive loss of the season.

"Defensive mistakes hurt us again today," said Coach Jake Alvernia. "We have to improve on the defensive side. We found a way to come back twice in the game, but couldn't find the winner."

The two Spartan goal-scorers, Milcic and Phillips, led MBU on the night with three shots apiece. As a whole, MBU outshot Saint Francis 16-13 and 7-6 in shots on goal.

The Spartans will have another opportunity to grab its first win of the season on Wednesday as the Chicagoland road trip continues. MBU will head to Trinity International for a 3:00 p.m. tilt.