Lions ‘head’ to the offseason

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Sophomore Rylie Johnson heads the ball during play against Missouri Western at Fred G. Hughes stadium in Joplin, Mo. on Sunday, Oct. 14. Lexi Conway | The Chart 

7-8-3. That’s the final record of the Missouri Southern soccer team. A team that will not be appearing in the MIAA Championships. The Lions got off to a great start this season, capturing their program’s best record through their first 10 games at 6-2-2. They would finish their season just 1-6-1. 

This squad ran into a brick wall at the midway point of the season. For a team that appeared to be destined for the MIAA tournament, they really hit rock bottom to finish the season. Opposite of the team we saw last year.

 Last year the Lions finished out the regular season going 4-1-1. They went 5-5-1 in conference play to earn a ticket to the MIAA postseason tournament. 

In 2018 the Lions would finish just 3-6-2 in conference play. Finishing tied for 8th in the MIAA. Eight teams make the postseason tournament, but Washburn, the team tied with the Lions for 8th place, earned the 8th spot because they won the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. 

The Lions saw an improvement with their overall record in 2018 despite a worse conference record. In 2017 the Lions finished 5-9-4. 

The falling part of the season came for the Lions after their 2-2 draw with the 8th ranked Central Missouri squad. The Lions played a very good and competitive match on the road against the Jennies and forced a draw. They finished the season 1-6-1 after that match, as I mentioned before. 

The Lions will now be looking towards the offseason and preparing for their 2019 campaign. They will be returning many players and graduating just five. Those graduating are Jeannine Escobar, Julia Liberty, Maria Sturluson, Alex McCord, and Denine Tahbaz.