Box Score ST. LOUIS – [BOX SCORE] It took more than 90 minutes to decide a winner in the Missouri Baptist Women's Soccer season opener. Marian's Maria Farmer ended the game in the 103rd minute when her free kick from the right corner deflected off an MBU defender and into the net.
The tough break gave the Spartans (0-1) a loss to start the season. Farmer's shot took off about five yards from the corner, as she lined up for the kick after a foul deep in MBU territory.
The Spartans had three early shots in overtime, but none proved to be trouble for the Knights goalkeeper Melissa Sturgill. Both keepers performed well in the contest that featured 14 shots on goal.
Marian (1-1) tested Spartan goalie Alex Lair early with five shots in the first 15 minutes with no success. Megan Allen had a chance in the 13th minute after getting a step on her defender, but Sturgill came through with the save. Morgan Mell also had a scoring chance just earlier when her shot traveled just wide.
The Knights, who outshot the Spartans 17-10, had a few chances late in the half and another to start the second. Logan Bowling broke loose on a breakaway in the 63rd minute, but Lair denied any further damage.
As it seemed both offenses stalled toward the end of the half, MBU had its best scoring chance in the 87thminute. Riley Janvrin's shot hit the post and Alyssa Matz rebound attempt was then blocked by a Marian defender. Eight Spartans recorded shots in the game. Danielle Wilde and Monica Robinson led the way with two each.
The team will look to get on the winning track when it returns home on Friday. The Spartans take on Brescia University at 11:00 am to start off a busy Labor Day weekend. MBU also plays on Saturday and Monday.
