FAYETTE, Mo. – Missouri Baptist Women's Soccer opened its 2019 campaign on Saturday with a difficult road test. (RV) Central Methodist University (Mo.), a team that narrowly missed a Top 25 Preseason ranking, downed the Spartans 2-0 in a closely contested match.
 
CMU controlled possession early and grabbed the game's first goal in the seventh minute. A well-played cross found the Eagles' Anika Kallash on the back post. The junior finished it off for a 1-0 lead for the home side. The Spartans managed just two shot attempts in the opening half and were unable to trouble CMU goalkeeper, Sheila Sanchez.
 
They would show signs of life early in the second half. A throw-in deep in CMU territory by freshman Alisse Koishor led to a prime opportunity for junior transfer Madison Dodd. Sanchez was able to turn away Dodd's effort though and maintain the Eagles' one-goal lead.
 
Just minutes later, the Eagles doubled the advantage when Judith Sainz caught MBU keeper Jemica Artillaga off her line. Artillaga couldn't retreat in time to stop the long range effort that crept over the goal line.
 
From there, Central Methodist buckled in and suffocated the Spartans' attack. The final shots on goal count was a whopping 11-2 in favor of the Eagles. Artillaga made nine saves in the defeat.
 
MBU returns to action next Friday for the home opener. Friends University (Kan.) will visit CBC Field for a 1 pm kickoff.