After an evenly matched first half, Belmont women’s soccer lost 2-0 to the Missouri State University Bears Sunday afternoon at E.S Rose Park.
Starting off strong in the first 45 minutes, both teams played tight defense as the Bruins recorded four saves, making the score zero-all at the half.
In the 33rd minute, senior Claire Fallon provided an impressive turn as she faced off against two Missouri State players, successfully winning the ball back for the Bruins.
The match intensified in the second half as both teams fought hard to come away with the victory.
In the 52nd minute, senior goalkeeper Sarah Doyle saved a close penalty kick to keep the match even.
But it wasn’t long until Missouri State struck the back of the net and just as pressure sharpened toward the end of the game, the Bears repeated themselves in the 82nd minute.
Although the match did not go in Belmont’s favor, head coach Heather Henson has plenty of room for optimism.
“I think we had moments on the attacking side that we want to take away as we’re moving off the ball to create better passing seams, and I think we really are bringing that to the table in terms of improvement from our last game,” Henson said.
“When playing, I think the team pulls together and truly understands what it means to be a family and recognizes the selflessness that goes into it.”
Coach Henson also highlighted the importance of having vulnerability within a team and a community and, when experiencing setbacks and hardships, how to honor mental health.
“It is important to recognize we’re living life together, in the good and bad, and we’re either in the storm, getting ready to go into the storm, or just left the storm, but we’re all going to do it together,” she said.
After Sunday’s match, the Bruins will face defending Missouri Valley Conference champions Valparaiso University on Thursday night at E.S. Rose Park.
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This article was written by Chloe Troutman