The Mission University men's soccer team wrapped up a challenging week with two road contests, falling 4-3 in a hard-fought battle at Ozark Christian on September 25 before dropping a 4-0 result to Baker University on September 30.
Against Ozark Christian, the Patriots found their offensive rhythm and delivered their best scoring performance of the season. After trailing 3-0 late in the first half, Mission clawed its way back with three unanswered goals. Monthati Molomo opened the scoring for the Patriots with a solo effort just before halftime, and Owen Barker added another early in the second half to cut the deficit to one. In the 77th minute, Andrey Smolin found the back of the net off an assist from Shon Guzman to level the match at 3-3. Despite the rally, Ozark Christian's Kellen Niswonger completed his hat trick with a late goal in the 86th minute, handing the Patriots a narrow 4-3 defeat. Mission finished with 12 shots, including six on goal, while Jordon Shaw recorded four saves in net.
The Patriots then traveled to Kansas to face Baker, one of the NAIA's perennial powers, and came up short in a 4-0 loss. The Wildcats struck early and steadily added to their lead, while Mission struggled to break through against a stout Baker back line. Freshman Nevan Lindo recorded the Patriots' lone shot of the evening, and Shaw tallied two saves.
Though results didn't go their way, Mission showed progress in finding scoring opportunities against Ozark Christian and tested itself against strong competition in Baker. With several conference matchups still ahead, the Patriots continue to build experience and cohesion as they seek their breakthrough win of the season. They will return this Saturday the 4th at Lake Country.
