OTTAWA, Kan. – The Missouri Baptist University men's soccer team opened their 2025 season on Tuesday with a hard-fought 2-1 match against Ottawa University (Kan.).

Just 1:45 into the match, the Ottawa Braves capitalized on a penalty kick, slipping their first of two goals past goalkeeper Sean Stone.

Only 13 minutes later, senior Matthew O'Reilly got past the Braves' goalkeeper on a fast break and set up forward Keegan Ranney with a stellar pass that led to the Spartans' goal.

Arminas Gecas started off the second half strong with the Braves' last goal of the game.

Despite recording 13 shots, the Braves managed only four on target, giving Stone a .500 save percentage for the match.

The Spartans will host the Concordia University Bulldogs for their home opener this Saturday, Aug. 30, at noon.