Redhawks Drop Season Opener to Missouri State, 1-0 :: Sophomore Jessica Beckham goaltended her first collegiate game against Missouri State

Sophomore Jessica Beckham goaltended her first collegiate game against Missouri State

Aug. 29, 2008

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Southeast Missouri State soccer came up short in its first game of the regular season after falling to in-state rival Missouri State by the same margin as the previous two meetings, 1-0, at Houck Stadium. The Bears improve to 2-1 overall after winning their second consecutive victory and extended their winning streak against the Redhawks to three games.

Bears junior Samantha Aguilar notched the only goal in the game in the 49th minute of play after sophomore Christine Cross placed the ball at her feet. Aguilar then placed the ball in the lower left corner of the goal pass a diving Jessica Beckham.

The Redhawks (0-1) had their opportunities, but were unable to put anything in the back of the net with their preseason leading scorer, Casey Kraft, sitting on the sidelines after an injury during pregame warm-ups.

In the first half, both teams were evenly matched offensively as both only attempted two shots on goal. Southeast led the battle in corner kicks in the first half with four, including a kick from Megan McGrath to Ashley Runion in which Runion headed the ball into the left post of the goal.

In the second half, Southeast was unable to hold back the Missouri State offense as they were outshot 5-4. The Redhawks also had no opportunities from corner kicks.

Runion and McGrath led the team with two shots apiece. Senior Nicole Bussman and sophomore transfer Mabel Velarde each attempted a shot to round out the Redhawks offense.

In her first collegiate start in goal Jessica Beckham recorded three saves including two in the second half.

The Bears were led by Aguilar who came off the bench to score her team-leading second goal of the season on a game-high two shots on goal.

Bears goalie Jackie Jasper was not challenged defensively and improved to 2-1 on the year in the nets.

Southeast returns to action next week as they travel up I-55 to St. Louis to battle non-conference foe Army on Sunday, September 7. Game time has not been set yet. SEMO will look to end Army's winning streak as they are coming off of two straight wins to open their season against New Jersey Institute of Technology and Sacred Heart.