ST. LOUIS – [BOX SCORE] Missouri Baptist failed to overcome an early deficit in a 1-0 loss Wednesday afternoon to Hannibal La-Grange.
The Spartans (2-5) fell behind after a first-half Hannibal La-Grange goal and never could find the equalizer. The Trojans found the net in the 26th minute when Scotland Keck buried the ball inside the right post off a pass from Isaac Lehmkuhl.
Hannibal La-Grange controlled possession during a majority of the first half, but the Spartans found renewed energy in the final frame. They didn't allow the Trojans to register a shot after halftime, while outshooting Hannibal La-Grange 8-3.
Missouri Baptist quickly established themselves the aggressors' in the second half. Less than three minutes in, a Missouri Baptist throw-in entered the box and was passed back to Tyler Lewis. Lewis struck the ball just over the post, but the sequence helped set the tone.
The Spartans best opportunity to find the net may have come with 26 minutes remaining. Ben Boyd's shot from the right wing deflected off the Hannibal keeper resulting in a corner kick. Gerardo Espinoza's corner found the foot of Benjamin Randolph, but his shot went just wide.
The final shot of the game came in the final minute by Yuir Pecanha, but it also missed the net.
Hannibal La-Grange had multiple scoring chances early in the first half, but the Spartans held their own during the first 20 minutes. The game remained scoreless despite the fact that Missouri Baptist had yet to get record a shot.
The Trojans gave Missouri Baptist a scare with 19 minutes remaining in the first half when Isaac Lehmkuhl headed a ball off the post. Hannibal then controlled the ball off the rebound but were called for a foul.
The ensuing free kick resulted in a shot on goal from Espinoza, but the Trojans quickly answered the threat. Off the punt, Felipe Mendes connected with Lehmkuhl on a pass. Lehmkuhl then sent a through-ball to Scotland Keck that he snuck by a diving Brendan Carnahan to give Hannibal the lead for good.
The Spartans return to action next Wednesday at home against William Woods.
