The Principia Men's Soccer team traveled across the river to face the Spartans of Missouri Baptist University on Saturday in their second to last non-conference match, with conference play in the SLIAC beginning on October 5
th against Eureka. The match was played at Christian Brothers College due to Missouri Baptist's home field still being under construction.
The Spartans (NAIA) entered the game on a six-game win streak and looked to continue that momentum. The Panthers dropped a tough game on the road to Illinois Wesleyan the previous weekend and hoped to bounce back with a solid performance.
25 minutes into the first half, Cullen Barr of Missouri Baptist carried the ball into the box and took a shot from a tight angle that found the underside of the crossbar for the first and only goal of the first half.
Despite allowing the goal in the first half, the Principia Men were fully engaged in the game and created several chances. The Spartans struck five minutes into the second half on a cross to the back post, headed in by Cullen Barr for his second goal of the match.
The Panthers continued to battle, and just three minutes after the Spartans scored their second, Cam Sellers drew a foul to set up a dangerous free kick just outside of the box.
Kaleb Keller stepped up and confidently bent the ball around the Spartan wall into the bottom left corner.
Nick Klusmeyer continued to have a great game, keeping the Panthers within striking distance. In the 71
st minute,
Seth Arens came through with some inspired defending, intercepting a pass from a Spartan free kick and sparking a counterattack for the Panthers. The Spartans won the ball back but Cam Sellers stepped in and stripped a Spartan defender, slipping the ball through to
Kaleb Keller who slotted in the equalizing goal with 20 minutes to play.
The Panthers fought hard to the last minute. An unfortunate foul in Principia's defensive third gave the Spartans the opportunity they needed to put the game away with just 3 minutes remaining in regulation time. The game ended 3-2 in favor of Missouri Baptist.
Klusmeyer had 9 saves on the day and
Kaleb Keller finished with 5 shots on target. Principia had a total of 6 shots on target, to the Spartans 12. The Panthers executed a solid game plan against a strong opponent, with many positives to take away from the game.
Principia Men's Soccer hosts Lewis & Clark Community College on Monday, September 30
th at 6PM in their last non-conference match of the season.
