EVANSVILLE, Ind. – A late goal by Missouri State proved to be the difference as the University of Evansville women's soccer team fell to the Bears, 2-1, on Senior Day at Arad McCutchan Stadium in Evansville.

"I think we played pretty hard today," said Aces head coach Krista McKendree. "For us to be able to come back and tie the game up was a testament to us not quitting and trying to figure a way to gut-out a performance. It started earlier this week on Wednesday (against Indiana Sate). We gutted-out and fought for all 90 minutes of that performance. I think we had more fight tonight for sure. We just have to be a little bit cleaner on the ball and try and connect a few more passes, at times, and we have to do a better job of defending in the attacking third."

In the match, senior Montana Portenier led the Aces with their lone goal, while firing a team-best two shots. Between the posts, sophomore Julie Rabe made her second career start, making a pair of saves and allowing two goals in the loss. Kayleigh Putnam and Brooke Prondzinski led Missouri State with a goal each.

Just before kickoff, the Aces honored four seniors who have made contributions to the program. Nicki Baham, Montana Portenier, JBess Ruby, and athletic trainer Mckenzie Manning were all recognized for their efforts.

Neither side could find a goal in the opening half as the teams combined for nine shots with Missouri State holding a 6-3 advantage through the first 45 minutes.
 

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Box Score (PDF)

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In the 51st minute, Missouri State opened the scoring on a header by Putnam off an assist by Brittney Robinson that gave the Bears a 1-0 lead.

The Aces would answer in the 64th minute as freshman midfielder Taran McMillan played a through-ball to Portenier, who dribbled into the box and side-stepped the goalkeeper and found the back of the net.

With just over 10 minutes left in regulation, the Bears broke the tie with a goal by Prondzinski from 10 yards out. Evansville pushed to knot the match at two in the final moments, but could not find the equalizer as Missouri State captured the 2-1 win.
 
UE was narrowly out-shot by Missouri State, 10-7, but the Aces held a 4-3 advantage on shots in the second half.

The Aces wrap-up the regular season on Thursday when they travel to Valparaiso, Ind. to take on Valparaiso at 4 p.m..
 

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