SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Kauan Amaro scored the game-winning goal in the 86th minute as Mission University earned its first victory of the season with a 2-1 win over Ecclesia College on Sept. 15.
The Patriots overcame an early deficit behind goals from Amaro and Andrey Smolin. Mission controlled much of the match, finishing with a 15-8 advantage in shots and holding Ecclesia to three attempts during the second half.
Smolin Answers Early Ecclesia Goal
Ecclesia took the lead in the fifth minute when Carlos Gonzalez scored the opening goal.
Mission quickly began creating opportunities to respond. Eduardo Matamoros struck the crossbar in the ninth minute, while Daniel Williams and Nevaun Lindo each forced saves from Ecclesia goalkeeper Damian Castro.
Smolin brought the Patriots level in the 23rd minute, scoring an unassisted goal to make it 1-1.
Mission continued to threaten throughout the opening half. Rhyder Martin and Williams each placed shots on goal before Lindo hit the crossbar in the 40th minute. The teams entered halftime tied despite Mission holding a 9-5 advantage in shots.
Amaro Delivers Late Winner
The Patriots continued to push for the go-ahead goal after halftime while goalkeeper Miles Cook kept Ecclesia off the board.
Ecclesia's Kymani Bird struck the post in the 70th minute, but the Patriots answered with several late chances. Lindo sent an attempt wide in the 74th minute, and Michael Sosa forced a save in the 85th.
Less than two minutes later, Lindo set up Amaro for the go-ahead goal with 4:16 remaining.
Ecclesia attempted to answer, but Cook stopped a shot from Gonzalez in the 88th minute to preserve Mission's one-goal advantage and secure the Patriots' first win.
By the Numbers
Mission recorded 15 shots and placed seven on goal, compared to eight shots and six attempts on frame for Ecclesia. The Patriots also earned five corner kicks.
Lindo led Mission with four shots and added the assist on the game-winning goal. Smolin and Sosa finished with two shots apiece, while Williams placed both of his attempts on goal.
Cook recorded five saves while playing all 90 minutes in goal.
