WPU Stymied by #2 MVC

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Marshall, Mo.–The Statesmen men’s soccer team was confident entering Tuesday night’s matchup with #2 Missouri Valley, but could not keep the Vikings at bay in a 6-0 Heart of America Athletic Conference loss Tuesday.

WPU (7-5-1, 4-4 Heart) was outshot just 18-7, but the Vikings (11-0-1, 7-0 Heart) were efficient in their attacks, putting in half of their 12 shots on goal.

The hosts scored in the 10th and 19th minutes, but the visitors slowed them down the remainder of the period to trail just 2-0 after 45 minutes of play. At halftime, the Statesmen only trailed MVC 6-5 in shots.

The floodgates opened in the second half, though, including Missouri Valley posting three scores in a span of seven minutes.

Moussa Ndiaye (So., St. Louis, Mo., Business Management) headed the navy and gold offense with two shots, while Guillermo Pineda (Fr., Madrid, Spain, Business Management & Communications) managed five saves.

“Unfortunately, this was a poor performance from us,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “We did not execute the game plan and got beat well by one of the best teams in the nation. We have to move on from this quickly and get ready for Baker.”

Next Up: William Penn travels to Atchison, Kan. Saturday to face #6 Baker in Heart action at 7:30 p.m.