Box Score ST. LOUIS – [BOX SCORE] A late goal from Raven Loughridge in the 85th minute sunk the Spartans in a 1-0 loss to Lindenwood-Belleville.
Despite the loss, the Spartans (10-6, 8-3) remain in third place in the AMC. The Lynx (8-6-2, 7-2-2) remain in fourth after the victory and the matchup between the third and fourth place teams in the conference proved as even as advertised.
The two teams went back-and-forth all day, with neither team finding the net until the 85th minute. Alyssa Matz had a few good looks at goal, including in the 18th minute, but a diving save from Lynx keeper Luisa Santillan kept the game scoreless.
Santillan pitched the shutout, as the Spartans weren't able to get any of their seven shots past her. Lindenwood-Belleville edged MBU 8-7 in total shots for the game. Like Santillan, Alex Lair picked up five saves for MBU. The lone difference was Loughridge's goal in the final five minutes.
Right after the Spartans were threatening on the offensive end, a deflection brought the ball out toward midfield and put the Lynx in a 2 on 1. The ball then found Loughridge who went 1v1 with Lair and knocked the ball past her and into the net. It was the junior's team-high 12th goal of the season.
The Spartans will look to bounce back on Saturday against Central Baptist for Senior Day. The match is set to start at 12:00 pm.
