ST. LOUIS – A rare Wednesday morning match saw
Helene Braren tally a pair of goals as the Maryville women's soccer team blanked the Southwest Baptist Bearcats 3-0. The victory marked the Saints' seventh consecutive clean sheet against SBU dating back to 2021.
The contest was originally scheduled for 2:30 p.m., but dangerous heat levels in the St. Louis region forced an early start.
The Saints outshot SBU 16-7, recording nine attempts in the second half.
Emily Doane opened the scoring in the 27th minute, while Braren found the back of the net in the 48th and 82nd minutes.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both sides started slowly, with the first scoring opportunity coming in the sixth minute when Braren nearly slipped a shot past the Bearcats' goalkeeper. Doane followed with an attempt of her own two minutes later.
Maryville applied consistent pressure as the temperature continued to rise, and it came to a head in the 27th minute. Allison Estanish sent a ball deep into the box, where a leaping Braren headed it back toward the center for Doane to finish and break the scoreless deadlock. The 1-0 advantage held through halftime.
It did not take long for the Saints to push deep into SBU territory again in the second half. Doane collided with the Bearcats' goalkeeper while pursuing a ball inside the box, drawing an indirect free kick near the penalty spot.
Hailey Scheuer tapped the ball into play for Braren, who blasted a shot past the SBU wall and goalkeeper to double the lead.
Braren added insurance in the final 10 minutes, scoring her third goal of the season to put the match out of reach.
UP NEXT
The Saints continue their stretch against Bearcats when they welcome McKendree on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 9 a.m.
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