ST. LOUIS – After back-to-back non-conference victories, MBU Women's Soccer (2-5) couldn't make it three straight on Wednesday night at Spartan Field. No. 20 Cumberland (4-1) came to town and spoiled the party by a final score of 7-1.
 
The start to the match could not have been better for the Spartans. Just 13 seconds in, Arika Buxton's cross to the back post found Gianna Gore. Gore converted her second goal of the season for a lightning fast 1-0 MBU lead.
 
That was, unfortunately, where most of the positives ended for the home side. Cumberland tied the game in the sixth minute. They took the lead in the 38^th and extended it to 3-1 less than a minute later.
 
It was still a 3-1 game and within reach for the Spartans before a chaotic final forty minutes. In the 54^th minute, GK Ashton Lindsley came out to track down a loose ball at the top of the penalty area. In the process, she appeared to suffer a non-contact knee injury and fell to the ground. The official did not immediately stop the play, and with a wide-open goal, CU's Kayla Travis did not miss.
 
From there, the Spartans were forced to give true freshman Lindzey Morrison an unexpected debut. With the new keeper coming in cold off the bench, the Phoenix took advantage for three more goals in the final half hour. Morrison held her own, given the unique circumstances, finishing with three saves.
 
Before her injury, Lindsley had six saves. Offensively, the Spartans finished with just three shot attempts and only one on target.
 
Next on the schedule is a meeting with (RV) Baker on Saturday night. The final non-conference match kicks off at 5 pm at Spartan Field.