Box Score
SEARCY – Missouri-St. Louis notched two second half goals to defeat Harding 2-0 in men’s soccer action Sunday at the Harding Soccer Field.
After a scoreless first half, UMSL (2-0) got on the board in the 55th minute on a penalty kick by sophomore forward Jared Smith. The penalty came after Harding keeper James Thurmond earned a yellow card for a foul in the box. Smith then beat Thurmond low inside the left post.
In the 73rd minute, freshman midfielder Paul Hummel received a cross from Anthony Obernuefemann and put the Rivermen ahead 2-0.
Missouri-St. Louis outshot Harding 14-11 overall, and both teams had six shots on goal. UMSL senior goalkeeper Zach Hoette recorded the shutout with five saves. Sophomore Ryan Hamilton started in goal for the Bisons but had to leave the game in the 32nd minute after a collision with a Rivermen attacker. Hamilton had one save before he left, and Thurmond added three more.
Harding (0-2) dropped its second straight game to a Great Lakes Valley Conference opponent. The Bisons fell in their opener 2-1 to Drury. Harding is still looking for a victory in its season opener. The Bisons have been defeated in each of their seven home openers since the program began in 2000.
Missouri-St. Louis had a successful trip to Arkansas, winning both games. The Rivermen defeated Lyon College 3-2 on Friday in Batesville.
Harding is back in action Tuesday in Tahlequah, Okla., against Northeastern State of the Lone Star Conference.
