North STL News

The University of Missouri-St. Louis women's soccer team played to a 1-1 draw against Drury in the opening match of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) season at Don Dallas Field on Sunday afternoon. Both teams now hold conference records of 0-0-1, with UMSL moving to 1-2-1 overall and Drury at 1-1-1.

Drury opened the scoring early after a foul by UMSL just outside their penalty area resulted in a free kick. Elena Perez scored from 20 yards out, curling her shot inside the left post for her first goal this season.

Shortly after, Drury nearly doubled its lead but Holland Hawkins' shot was stopped by UMSL goalkeeper Rylee Griffith.

UMSL responded with several shots on target within just over a minute but could not get past Drury goalkeeper Katy Fitzler. The Tritons found their equalizer in the 37th minute when Madi Riege’s effort was blocked, but Natalie Scott collected the rebound and sent it into the upper right corner for her first goal of the year.

By halftime, UMSL had outshot Drury 9-4 and held a slight edge in shots on goal at 4-3.

In the second half, both Rachel Skyberg and Taylor Martin saw their attempts denied by Fitzler as UMSL looked to take the lead. Avery Hesseldenz also tested Fitzler later in the half. On Drury's side, Reagan Hegarty had an opportunity to score following Hesseldenz's attempt, but Griffith made one of her four saves to keep it level.

UMSL finished with a total of 21 shots compared to nine from Drury and led in shots on goal seven to five. Skyberg, Josie Maddox, and Ella Anselm each registered three shots for UMSL.

The Tritons will continue their six-game homestand when they host Rockhurst at Don Dallas Field on Friday, September 19 at 5 p.m.