The Missouri Southern soccer team was looking to end their four game losing skid in their final two road matchups of a four game road conference stint. The Lions have opened conference play with two loses being outscored 4-1. The Lions would see Missouri Western State University and Northwest Missouri State University, two teams in which the Lions lost to last season in back-to-back games.

First, the Griffons from MWSU would welcome the Lions to Spratt Stadium in St. Joseph. For the fifth consecutive game the Lions gave up the first goal as the Griffons got on the board in the 26 minute. The first half would end 1-0, Griffons.

In the second half, the Griffons would tack on one more goal in the 78th minute for insurance. The Lions would fall, 2-0.

Missouri Western dominated from start to finish as the Griffons outshot Southern 26-10. Southern only had two shots on goal. Senior goalkeeper Shawnee Phillips played all 90 minutes in the net for the Lions allowing the two goals and coming up with seven saves.

Northwest would welcome the Lions to Bearcat Pitch stadium for the final weekend matchup.

And for the first time in four games, the Lions posted the first score of the game. In the 16th minute, Taylor Beck put one in the back of the net with the assist from Karley Thomas. That was the first goal of the season for Beck and third assist for Thomas. The first half would end with the Lions up 1-0. Three of the Lions five shots in the first half were on goal.

The next 45 minutes would be all Bearcats. The Bearcats would score two goals in the first 10 minutes of the second half to take the lead. A Bearcats goal in 50th minute tied the game at 1. The Bearcats scored again five minutes later in the 55th minute to take the 2-1 lead. The Bearcats would hold off the Lions and complete the victory.

After managing five shots in the first half, the Lions could only get off two shots in the second. None of which were on goal. Phillips saved one shot in the first half. In the second, she saved six of the eight (2 goals) sent towards the net.

The Lions have lost to both MWSU and NWMSU on back-to-back games for consecutive seasons.

Southern returns home as they welcome Lindenwood to Hal Bodon field tomorrow.

“We’re trying to get better everyday,” said head coach Alese Woolard. “I think we have a bright future ahead of us in the conference season. This is a good time for us to really start going.”

Lindenwood and the Lions have tied in their last two matchups. Kickoff is set at 7 p.m.