Griffon soccer off to best start in program history after 4-2 win at Sioux Falls

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Missouri Western soccer moved to 4-0 for the first time in program history with a 4-2 win at Sioux Falls Sunday afternoon.

The Griffons scored three second half goals and saw several more records fall in the contest. Cassidy Menke became the program’s all-time points leader and Sydney Cluck broke the MWSU career assists record in the win.

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY
For the first time this season, the Griffons trailed in a game after Sioux Falls got a goal in the ninth minute. Menke scored the initial equalizer and broke the points record with her sixth goal of the season in the 17th minute off an assist from Taylor Schwartzkopf. After Schwartzkopf gave MWSU a 2-1 lead early in the second half, Sioux Falls tied the game at two. From then on it was all Griffons as Madeline Cowell put the Griffs up for good scoring off her corner kick in the 78th minute. Menke padded the lead with her seventh goal of the season in the 83rd minute.

SECOND HALF TEAM
Along with the three second half goals, the Griffon defense went into lock-down mode in the final 45 minutes. Missouri Western allowed just three Sioux Falls shots in the second half while taking 12. The Griffons had seven second half corner kicks to none for Sioux Falls. MWSU has outscored opponents 10-2 in the second half this season, outshooting the opposition 49-16 after the break.

GOALS RECORDS ON ALERT
Four goals Sunday gave MWSU 18 already this season. Only two Griffon teams have ever scored more in an entire season. The high-water mark is 26 set in 2009 with last year’s team scoring 22. Not all results were reported at the time of this release, but the Griffons’ 4.5 goals per game average and 18 total led the MIAA following Sunday’s win. Menke is already just two shy of her own goals in a season record set in 2016.

UP NEXT
Missouri Western takes momentum into the first round against its rival to the north. The Griffons host Northwest Missouri (1-1) Friday, Sept. 15 in a non-conference tilt. Then No. 25 Lindenwood (2-1) comes to St. Joseph on Sunday, Sept. 17.

— MWSU Athletics —