SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Mission University opened its 2026 men's soccer season Monday afternoon with a 3-0 loss to Evangel University at Coryell Field.
The Patriots created several opportunities throughout the match, finishing with 11 shots and placing five on goal. Mission remained within striking distance into the second half but was unable to convert its chances, including a penalty kick in the 66th minute.
Evangel Takes First-Half Lead
Mission produced the first shot of the match when Andrey Smolin sent an attempt high in the fifth minute. Michael Sosa followed with the Patriots' first shot on goal in the 11th minute, forcing a save from Evangel goalkeeper Valentin Goity.
The Valor broke through in the 22nd minute as Caleb Burton scored off an assist from Hayes Van Breusegen to give Evangel a 1-0 advantage.
Goalkeeper Miles Cook helped keep Mission close throughout the remainder of the half, making five saves. Kauan Amaro put another attempt on frame just before halftime, but Goity made the stop to preserve Evangel's one-goal lead.
Patriots Unable to Capitalize in Second Half
Evangel doubled its advantage in the 57th minute when Shomari Rimbo scored following a blocked attempt by Burton.
Mission responded by creating one of its best stretches of the match. Smolin sent a shot wide in the 64th minute before Rome Johnson narrowly missed on a header moments later.
The Patriots earned a penalty kick in the 66th minute, but Goity stopped Johnson's attempt to keep Mission off the scoreboard.
Miguel Santos extended Evangel's lead to 3-0 in the 75th minute. Mission continued to push forward, with Smolin placing consecutive attempts on goal in the 80th minute, but Goity saved both shots.
By the Numbers
Mission finished with 11 shots, including seven in the second half, while Evangel recorded 16. The Patriots placed five attempts on goal and earned four corner kicks.
Smolin led Mission with four shots and two shots on goal. Sosa and Johnson added three attempts apiece, while Cook recorded five saves in nearly 88 minutes in goal.
