Box Score SEARCY – Truman State scored three goals in a 17-minute span of the second half to overcome an early Harding goal and defeat the Bisons 3-1 on Sunday in MIAA play.

The loss put Harding in a tough position in its attempt to qualify for the MIAA Tournament at the end of the season. The Bisons dropped to 4-5-1 overall and 2-3-0 in conference play, where they remain in fifth place. A victory would have moved Harding ahead of Truman State (5-3-1, 3-1-1) for the fourth and final tournament berth.

Harding has five MIAA games remaining but plays three non-conference road games prior to its next conference game at Southwest Baptist on Oct. 11. The Bisons' first game of the road trip is Tuesday at Delta State in Cleveland, Miss.

Harding got off to a great start against Truman State. Junior midfielder Ryan Wilhelm recovered a loose ball near midfield and raced down the left sideline, past Bulldog defender Matt McMillin, and beat Truman State goalkeeper Nick Wallner inside the far post.

The goal was Wilhelm's second of the season and came only 59 seconds into the game. It was the second-fastest goal ever scored by Harding and the earliest scored since Jeff Ireland's goal 44 seconds into the game against Lynn in 2001.

Harding held the lead for more than 64 minutes before Truman State found the equalizer. After a Bison turnover in the defensive end Bulldog freshman Will Hayes crossed the ball to senior Andy Chapman who poked it past Harding goalkeeper Chase Keeney for his team-leading fifth goal of the season.

Just under 12 minutes later, Truman State freshman Felix Bruner got behind the Harding back line on a through ball from senior Charlie Backus for the eventual game-winning goal. It was his first goal of the season.

Another Backus through ball in the 82nd minute, this one to sophomore Tony Luedecke led to the Bulldogs' third goal. It was Luedecke's third goal.

Truman State outshot Harding 19-8. The Bisons managed only two shots on goal after Wilhelm's opener.