Mavs win first game of season in OT, look forward to Missouri

The Minnesota State (MSU) women’s soccer team got their official season underway over the weekend with their non-conference win over Missouri Southern (MSSU) in Mankato.

The Mavs played a very defensive game throughout, specifically in the first half where MSU did not allow any shots on goal. The Mavericks connected with four of their six shots reaching the goalkeeper, but not being able to find the back of the goal in the first half. 

The second half was a bit more challenging for the Mavericks as MSSU was able to outshoot Minnesota State 6-5, but after 90 minutes of play, the score was still tied at 0.

It wasn’t until 92 minutes in during overtime that sophomore Allie Williams received a beautiful cross from freshman Maille Mathis right in front of the netminder and put away the ball in the bottom corner.

Despite the game being as close as it was, the Mavs played a far cleaner game than the Lions, only taking two fouls the entire match, one in each half. The Lions on the other hand, took 10 total fouls, including a yellow card against MSSU’s Laney Waldron at 79:16.

The Mavs outshot the Lions 17-11 throughout the game, while landing nine shots on goal, to the Lions’ six

Freshman goaltender Clare Longueville played all 92 minutes and closed out her first official collegiate match with a six save shutout.

Libby Spangler and Claire Cater led the Mavericks in shots with three a piece, and each landing one shot on goal.

The star of the game, Williams, directed both of her shots on the net, including the game winner.

The Mavericks are looking ahead to Missouri now, where they will face No. 7 Central Missouri and Northwest Missouri State.