Mavericks close out non-conference play in Missouri

The Minnesota State Mavericks soccer team finished their trifecta of Missouri non-conference matches with a close 4-3 loss to No. 7 Central Missouri, and a 1-0 win over Northwest Missouri State.

On Friday night, the Mavs began their weekend in Warrensburg, Mo. where they took on a top 10 Division II team in the Jennies.

MSU wasted no time when Allie Williams scored her second goal of the year just 7 minutes in, jumping out to an early 1-0 lead with the unassisted goal.

Extending their lead, 20 minutes later Nadia Lowery netted her first of the year with an assist from Brynn Desens.

It seems that the Mavericks stuck to their game plan of coming out aggressive and shutting down the Jennies early, but started to fall apart in the second half.

UCM scored their first goal just 6 minutes into the second half and again 20 minutes later to make it a 2-2 game.

In the 79th minute, Desens and Lowery connected again to take their second lead of the game, this time with Desens scoring her first goal of the year.

It wasn’t until less than 3 minutes later that the Jennies tied it up at 3, and in the 88th minute secured the 4-3 win on an unassisted goal.

Clare Longueville played all 90 minutes in net for the Mavericks, making 5 saves with 4 goals allowed, and taking her first loss of the season.

Despite the Mavericks being outshot by the Jennies 24-14 on Friday, the weekend wasn’t completely unsuccessful.

On Sunday, the Mavericks took on Northwest Missouri State in what was a far less offensive game against the Bearcats. 

The contest was scoreless for almost 77 minutes, until the Mankato native, Jenny Vetter scored the game winning unassisted goal.

Sophomore Mackenzie Rath earned her first start of the season along with her first win and 5 save shutout against the Bearcats.

The Mavericks begin their season with a 2-1 record, and begin their conference play Friday against Wayne State.