Mustangs nab first league win

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Mount Mercy outplayed Evangel from start to finish to earn their first league win, a 2-0 decision over the Valor in a Heart of America Athletic Conference women's soccer match on Saturday.

The Mustangs (3-9-1, 1-8-1 Heart) dominated every category in the box score, holding a 21-12 advantage in shots and a 14-7 margin in shots on goal. The offensive numbers, coupled with seven saves by goalkeeper Grace Byers, culminated in their first Heart of America victory of the season.

Both Mustang goals came in the first half, with Ayaka Matsumaru scoring in the 16th minute on an assist by Isabel Alvarez and Shelby Vermeulen notching an unassisted goal in the 38th minute. That was all Mount Mercy needed against Evangel, who dropped to 3-12-0 overall and 0-10-0 in the Heart.

The Mustangs will celebrate Senior Night when they host Graceland (4-12-0, 3-8-0 Heart) in their home finale on Wednesday at 5:00 pm at Hadzic Field in Cedar Rapids.