SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Mission University women's soccer officially opened its inaugural season with a pair of matches over the weekend, including its first-ever home match Saturday at Cooper Sports Complex.
Mission began the historic weekend Friday on the road against Evangel University at Coryell Field before returning to Springfield Saturday for the program's home opener against IU Kokomo.
Mission at Evangel
Mission wasted little time making history Friday night, scoring the program's first-ever goal just 49 seconds into the match.
Khloe Pehl found the back of the net on an unassisted effort, giving the Patriots an early lead in their inaugural contest. Mission recorded five shots in the match, with three finding the target.
Evangel responded with five goals in the opening half before adding four more after halftime. Mission ultimately fell in its first-ever match, but goalkeeper Emma Vance turned in a strong performance in goal, recording 14 saves across the 90-minute contest.
Mission vs. IU Kokomo
Mission returned to Springfield Saturday for a historic day at Cooper Sports Complex, hosting its first-ever home match.
The Patriots faced IU Kokomo in their home opener, with Vance again playing all 90 minutes in goal. She recorded 20 saves, giving her 34 saves across Mission's first two matches.
Mission recorded one shot in the contest, coming from Hailey Bond, and ultimately fell to IU Kokomo.
Despite the results, the weekend marked an important first step for the new program as Mission officially began its inaugural season and hosted its first home match.
Series Notes
- The 2026 season marks the inaugural season of Mission University women's soccer.
- Mission's first-ever match was played Friday at Evangel.
- Khloe Pehl scored the first goal in program history just 49 seconds into Friday's match.
- Saturday marked the first home match in program history at Cooper Sports Complex.
- Emma Vance recorded 34 saves across the opening weekend.
- Vance made 14 saves against Evangel and 20 against IU Kokomo.
- Mission recorded six total shots across the two matches.
- Mission's opening weekend featured matches against Evangel and IU Kokomo.
