OSKALOOSA, Iowa – Missouri Baptist Men's Soccer faces defeat for the first time this season by the hands of No. 9 William Penn University.
The Statesmen were in control of this contest from the first kick. Prior to their first goal, WPU had put up four shots and earned two corner kicks compared to just two shots by the Spartans. William Penn would eventually see an attempt go in during the 15th minute, after a Missouri Baptist foul in the box set up Leonardo Jimenez with the penalty kick.
More of the same would be the story of the first period, though Missouri Baptist had their moments with possession. During the 25th minute, the Spartans created a pair of opportunities for striker Iker Alvarez to score, but the Statesmen defense stiffened up with two team saves.
WPU would get on the board again with just over six minutes left in the half, advancing their lead to 2-0.
Facing a deficit, MBU needed to improve their attacking strategy to climb back into the match. Unfortunately for the Spartans, they would end with just five shot attempts in the second, unable to change the score.
William Penn, on the other hand, continued their successful night, scoring twice more to make a final score of 4-0.
Missouri Baptist goalkeeper Evan Baisch was under constant pressure, seeing 21 shot attempts, 12 of which were on goal, and saving eight. The Spartan attack put up 12 shots in total, half being on target.
"We were simply outplayed today and didn't rise to the occasion," said Head Coach Roosevelt Peters. "I take the blame for making some changes to the game plan. We have faced a top 10 team and now know what it is like and will be ready for Saturday to play another."
Falling to 3-1-3, Missouri Baptist Men's Soccer continues a grueling stretch of opponents as they return to Spartan Field for their 2026 homecoming match against the No. 4 ranked MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers on Saturday, Sept. 26th at 1 p.m.
