Defense stout but Bruins fall at MNU

Box Score

OLATHE, Kan. -- Savannah Moxley's 50^th minute strike accounted for all the offense on Wednesday as the Bellevue University women's soccer team dropped a 1-0 match at (RV) MidAmerica Nazarene University on Wednesday afternoon at Pioneer Field on the MNU campus.

Records:

Bellevue 1-1-0
(RV) MidAmerica Nazarene: 1-0-0

Recap: (RV) MNU 1, BU 0

Savannah Moxley scored less than five minutes into the second half to break open a scoreless game as MidAmerica Nazarene defeated Bellevue 1-0.

Despite holding the majority of possession in the opening half, MNU was unable to create many quality chances and the teams advanced to halftime level at 0-0.

The Pioneers held a 5-2 advantage in shots in the opening period. Rachel Slack shot on goal for MNU was the only shot on target in the first 45 minutes.

MidAmerica Nazarene got on the board in the 50^th minute off a corner kick. Brylee Johnson sent the corner into Savannah Moxley who, in turn, beat keeper Sabrina Staufenbiel to give the Pioneers a 1-0 lead.

Lays Freitas nearly pulled the Bruins equal in the 63^rd minute after Bellevue won a free kick in a dangerous area outside the box but her attempt sailed just over the crossbar.

Emily Weyant nearly rescued the Bruins with a late equalizer. With less than 10 seconds on the clock she let lofted a dangerous shot from outside the box that MNU keeper Kailee Barnhard saw safely over the crossbar as the Pioneers held on for the win.

For the game, MNU out-shot Bellevue 9-2 (2-0 on goal) while the Bruins won three corners to the Pioneers' two.

Coach Tom White:

"Overall, I'm pretty happy with the performance. MNU were a quality opponent and we did they struggled to create chances. We can build on this and keep improving throughout the year."

"I thought Lays Freitas and Saskia Pepel, especially, were class today and Courtney Wallingford got better as the game wore on."

Co-Players of the Match:

Lays Freitas and Saskia Pepel -- The Bruin center backs limited MNU to just two shots on frame and generally controlled the flow of play. In addition to serving as defensive stoppers, both helped create offensive chances for BU with their decision making and playing opportunistic balls.

Up Next:

Bellevue hosts Briar Cliff University on Saturday, Aug. 24 at Bellevue East High School's Chieftain Stadium with kick-off scheduled for noon.

Notes:

• The game was the first of the season for MNU who was picked third in the highly competitive Heart of America Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll.
• The two shots on target allowed by Bellevue were the Bruins' fewest since limiting Fisher to just one on Oct. 11, 2018.