The Missouri Southern soccer team hit the road to play No. 11-ranked Central Missouri last night. The Lions will now head to Southwest Baptist in Bolivar on Sunday; both being conference games, the Lions will look for a strong performance.

This weekend’s road game comes on the heels of a scoreless draw at home against Lindenwood. It was a game where the Lions took 27 shots, 12 of those on goal. Unfortunately, they couldn’t capitalize on all of the looks.

“We did create a number of opportunities against Lindenwood,” said Head Coach Alese Woolard. “Some stats in soccer can be misleading, but we did have plenty of chances,” said Head Coach Alese Woolard. “Lindenwood has a good keeper, but we didn’t capitalize on our most dangerous scoring opportunities.”

Lindenwood entered the game 4-0 in the conference, so despite drawing, the Lions had a strong showing.

“We controlled the tempo of the game, and were able to set our style of play early on in the game, which took them out of the game at times,” said Woolard. “It was a great group effort.”

Looking forward, the Lions will have a match against conference foes Southwest Baptist Bearcats on Sunday.

The Bearcats boast a 6-4-1 record. Bearcats forward Kate Jamison could be tough to stop, she leads the team in goals (5), shots (40) and is tied in assists (2).

“We don’t really prepare for individual players,” said Woolard. “Every team we play has very good players, but you have to focus on the strengths of your team and what we need to do to be successful.  These upcoming games are like any other MIAA game, tough games that could go either way,” said Woolard.

Last season the Lions tied the Bearcasts 1-1 in double overtime, a portion of the game they have become familiar with this season as well.

The Lions focused on placing their shots on goal this week at practice and prepared for their upcoming opponents and to avoid playing longer than 90 minutes.

Red-shirt junior goalkeeper Beth Hammons said the team is ready to move forward in conference.

“Every game this season we have improved, and that is something we look to continue to do through out conference play,” said Hammons. “As long as we continue doing what were doing, and moving forward as a team, our record will improve as well.”

After the Lions play the Bearcats, they will host Rogers State for their breast cancer awareness Pink Game.