GOLDEN, Colo. — In the first round game of the South Central Regional of the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship, Midwestern State was narrowly defeated by the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, 1-0, on Friday afternoon at Stermole Soccer Stadium. Despite recording three shots on goal, the Mustangs could not find the back of the net, while UCCS secured the win with a first-half goal.
The match opened with both Midwestern State and UCCS pressing early, as UCCS's Mikaela Carlson and MSU's
Madison Brinkley each had shots saved by the opposing goalkeepers, Nylah Mirshafiei and
Lauren Short. UCCS applied consistent pressure throughout the half, but several shots from Taylynn Levi and Luka Johnson missed the target. The Maroon & Gold had a near-miss when
Alinessa Salinas's shot hit the right woodwork at 42:41. UCCS broke through with Casey Tadlock scoring in the 43rd minute, assisted by Carlson, to secure a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
UCCS maintained their narrow advantage throughout the second half against the Mustangs. Early in the half, Abby Stassi's attempt went wide in the 49th minute, while
Nyxalee Munoz of MSU responded with a shot out right in the 52nd minute. Goalkeeper Short recorded a crucial save against Elise Broberg's shot in the 57th minute, preserving the scoreline. Mirshafiei kept the Mountain Lions' goal intact with a key save on a 55th-minute shot from
Lillia Besedin and another from
Taryn Sueltz in the 84th minute. The period was marked by multiple fouls and yellow cards, with both teams unable to alter the scoreline before the final whistle. UCCS advances to play Colorado School of Mines in a second round match on Sunday.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
