The Missouri Southern Lions soccer team lost two games over the weekend, falling to the Bronchos of Central Oklahoma on Oct. 23 by a score of 4-0, followed by a heartbreaking 2-1 loss at home to the RiverHawks of Northeastern State on senior day Oct. 25.

The two losses snapped the Lions three game unbeaten streak. The two defeats drop the Lions to 3-8-1, moving them into a tie for No. 10 in the conference standings. The Lions are now two points out of the eighth and final playoff spot with only two games remaining in the season.

“It wasn’t the greatest of weekends,” said assistant coach Chris Leshinski. “We definitely dug ourselves in a hole. We have to win both games to have a chance of grabbing that eighth seed, plus it depends on how the other teams do. We are still in it, but we have to play like it’s playoff soccer, win and keep playing, or lose and we go home.”

The Lions came to play against the RiverHawks, scoring in the first minute of the game. Junior forward Karley Thomas found the back of the net on a quick pass from junior defender Michaela Altvater. However, Northeastern State would not be denied, scoring two goals of their own against “The Hannas,” freshman goalkeeper Hanna Johnson and sophomore Hanna Cook.

“The game was really frustrating because we’ve had to adjust to a lot of injuries,” said junior midfielder Hannah Ishmael. “A lot of players have stepped into big roles and done great, but we still end up on the unlucky side of things. It’s been very disappointing because in majority of our games we’ve held in and fought until the last minute but just haven’t been able to score and win.”

The bright spot of the weekend came at halftime of senior day as the team honored departing seniors Nga Vo, Casey Vitale, Kelsey Haist and Beth Hammons.

“It was hard not being able to play a more active part in the game, however, I have loved my time playing here and it was special to get to share that with these girls and my family,” said Hammons.

The Lions final home game of the season is Friday at 7 p.m. as they take on Southwest Baptist in a must-win game.