Unable to avoid a fourth consecutive loss, the Lindenwood women's soccer team fell 3-1 to Emporia State in MIAA action on Sunday afternoon in St. Charles.
The Lady Lions appeared to have the momentum most of the first half as they had nine shots and holding Emporia State to five. Lindenwood could only put half of its shots on goal, but had an opportunity in the 20th minute when
Jackie Lindner crossed one into the box just barely missing
Alexis Robbers head. Emporia State scraped some chances throughout the half, but took advantage of a free kick in the 36th minute when McKenzie Koch drilled one off the post and trickled in just past Lady Lions' goalie
Jordan Gnolfo.
The second began as the first half ended, with the Hornets commanding possession and goal opportunities. Lindenwood's defense held steady forcing Emporia State to misfire on shots. In the 79th minute, however, Hornets midfielder Amelie Heun stood 25 yards out and lofted one into the box that went over Gnolfo's hands and into the net to make the score 2-0 in favor of the visitors.
Only one minute later the Lady Lions had a chance to close the game back to one when Emporia State was called for a foul in the box, resulting in a
Danielle Torry penalty kick for Lindenwood. The senior drilled it into the back of the net to make the score 2-1 with 10 minutes to play. Lindenwood was able to get a few more opportunities, but failed to get another goal. With 18 seconds left, Emporia State's Koch nailed another direct kick past Gnolfo, which result in a final score of 3-1.
Emporia State's Ally Taylor, Ashton Taylor, and head coach Bryan Sailer each received a yellow card, but it proved not to haunt the Hornets. Lindenwood outshot Emporia State 14-13, but Hornets goalie Yadira Rivera saved six shots compared to Gnolfo's four, which proved to be the match difference maker.
The Lady Lions fall to 1-5-2 on the season, and will be looking to get back in the win column for the first time since the season opener at Missouri S&T. The Lindenwood women's soccer team will be looking for its first MIAA win of the season Friday at 5 p.m. when the Lady Lions battle Fort Hays State in Hays, Kan.
