BOX SCORE

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Freshman goalkeeper Simone Busby kept the University of Evansville women’s soccer team unbeaten in Missouri Valley Conference Sunday afternoon by making nine saves in a 0-0 draw with host Missouri State at Plaster Field in Springfield, Mo.
 
In the early going, both teams looked to play a possession game in the middle third of the pitch.  The Aces (2-6-3, 1-0-1 MVC) fired the first shot of the contest, but the Bears (6-6-2, 0-1-1 MVC) quickly countered with a shot of their own, forcing Busby to make the first of her nine saves.
 
UE’s defense was tested early, as MSU outshot the Aces, 7-3, over the first 45 minutes and earned a pair of corner kicks to Evansville’s one.
 
Missouri State’s offense got off to a quick start in the second half, as the Bears attempted the first five shots, but Busby was equal to the task, turning away the four that were on frame.
 
MSU continued its offensive barrage through the second half, but the UE defense stood firm, as the match remained scoreless after 90 minutes despite Missouri State’s 15-4 shot advantage.
 
The Aces nearly found the game-winning goal on a pair of occasions in the first overtime.  Early in the first extra period, Abby Springer nearly gave the Aces a win on a breakaway opportunity, but her shot sailed just wide.  In the 98th minute, a 25-yard free kick shot from Allie Arguello rang the post, but Missouri State was able to clear the ball and prevent a scoring chance.
 
In the second overtime period, the Bears took the only shot of the final 10 minutes and came up empty on their only corner kick opportunity.
 
Springer led Evansville offensively with two shots, while five other Purple Aces combined for UE’s seven attempts on the afternoon.  With her effort in goal, Busby pushed her record to 1-0-3 and improved her goals against average to a paltry 0.37.
 
The Aces will look to stay unbeaten in league play next Sunday, Oct. 7, when they travel to Des Moines, Iowa, for a 1 p.m. match with Drake.