CANTON, Mo. – For over 80 minutes the Missouri Baptist Women's Soccer squad battled a very tough Culver-Stockton College side shot for shot. But the Wildcats were able to break through with a goal in the 82^nd minute to win the match 1-0.
 
The loss sends the Spartans to a 1-2-0 record so far on the young season. MBU has yet to play a home game after starting the season with two games on the road in Oklahoma City last weekend. They will play two more contests away before making their home debut on September 12.
 
The first half was devoid of any high-pressure scoring chances with the teams combining for only four shots on net, and eight total between them. That was hardly the case in the second half however.
 
Culver-Stockton was able to maintain high-pressure on the Spartans defense, resulting in the better opportunities in the second half, including the sequence that lead to the game-winning goal.
 
It was the Spartans, however, who almost broke out on top with just under 20 minutes remaining. Defender Caitlyn Smith stepped up in the attack with a slick move to beat a challenger about 35 yards from goal then crossed it into the six-yard box onto the head of Gianna Gore. Gore was able to head the ball near the goal line where it fell to the feet of Abby Layton. The senior from Pacific, Mo. put a shot on net only to see the Wildcats keeper make a diving stop to her left to deny at the goal line. The ball remained loose in the Wildcats box, but two follow-up attempts by the Spartans were turned away by C-SC defenders. It's as close at MBU would come to point a goal on the board.
 
Moments later, the Wildcat pressure would force the Spartans defenders to misplay a ball over the end line resulting in a corner kick for C-SC. The ball was played from the left corner and skimmed on a couple of hops across the 18-yard box straight away from the goal until it was played on a nice half-volley by Ellie Wiegert into the upper right corner of the net. The Wildcats lead 1-0 and it's all they needed to claim the win.
 
Culver-Stockton outshot MBU 13-11, and also lead 7 to four in shots on net.
 
The Spartans will look to get back in the win column on Monday when they head to Fayette, Mo. to face the No. 10 ranked Eagles of Central Methodist University. That game will begin at 5:00 p.m.