The Missouri Southern soccer Lions suffered their first loss in MIAA play this past weekend. They will look to reverse that result against Lindenwood at home on Sunday in their lone match-up this weekend.

Last Friday, the Lions hit the road to face Fort Hays State. Fort Hays scored the first goal of the game on a header off of a corner-kick just before the half. In the second half, the Lions found their attack. They notched six shots compared to only two in the first half.

Late in the second half, sophomore forward Karley Thomas crossed the ball in to junior midfielder Katelyn Roberson who found the back of the net. It was the fifth assist of the season for Thomas and the third goal of the season for Roberson, both team highs.

The game was called in the second overtime due to lightning. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.

On Sunday, the Lions faced Nebraska-Kearney. Nebraska-Kearney came out firing, scoring two goals before the 25th minute. The Lions would get a goal from senior forward Tiffany Laughlin off of an assist from sophomore Michaela Altvater just before half, but they never could climb back. Nebraska-Kearney added two more goals in the second half to defeat the Lions 4-1.

The Lions do not play on Friday this week like they usually have for the past month. The team wants to have an intense week of practices to prepare for the game on Sunday against Lindenwood University.

Last season, the Lions had their highest scoring output of the season against Lindenwood. Southern took 23 shots in the match, six of which scored. Those six goals came from five players, two of whom are back this season, Laughlin and Roberson.

Lindenwood scored three goals of their own in that match. All three of those goals came from players who are returning this season. Lindenwood is currently 7-2 overall and 4-0 in conference, much improved from last season’s five wins.

“We want to show people we deserve to be higher ranked than 7, and beating a 4-0 team will do that.” said Roberson.

Lindenwood is currently number one in the MIAA women’s soccer standings and on a five-game winning streak. They defeated Central Oklahoma in double overtime last weekend, a team that Southern also went into overtime with, ending with a tie.

“I look forward to taking on the number one team for a chance to continue improving as a team,” said senior forward Kelly White. “I also look forward to playing at home and having the support of our school behind us. I think we will approach the game with intensity and the desire to show our conference that we have the ability and talent to be the best.”

The Lions will have only a short break until they play again on Thursday against another tough competitor, the University of Central Missouri (UCM).

UCM sits at number two in the MIAA standings and undefeated in conference. UCM has a record of 3-0-1 after tying Emporia State in double over-time last weekend.