SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Southeast Missouri soccer (3-2) was shut out by in-state rival Missouri State (2-3) Friday evening, 2-0, in Springfield.
 
It was a slow offensive start for both teams as the Redhawks and Bears combined for six first-half shots. The two combined for 17 in the second half. In total, Southeast was outshot, 14-9 in the match.
 
The Bears broke the scoreless tie four minutes into the latter half then added to the lead in the 65^th minute.
 
Kindra Lierz (2-2) suffered the loss in goal in her hometown. Lierz played the full 90 minutes, allowed both goals, and made four saves.
 
Kaitlin Maxwell (2-3) earned the win and solo shutout in goal for the Bears. She made four stops in the contest.
 
Three Redhawks each took a pair of shots including Esmie Gonzales, Lexi Grote, and Jennifer Brien. Grote put both of her shots on goal.
 
Three Redhawks played the full 90 minutes on the field Friday including defenders Lauren Kaempfe and Maddi Karstens and midfielder Hannah Compernolle.
 
The Redhawks and Bears played a scoreless first half as defense was well on display in the first 45 minutes. Missouri State narrowly outshot the Redhawks in the opening half, 4-2. The Bears owned both shots on goal.
 
Shelby Beussink and Paige Blankenheim were responsible for SEMO's two shots while four different Bears combined for their first-half offensive output.
 
Kayleigh Putnam netted her first goal of the season in the 49^th minute. Putnam picked up a pass from Brooke Prondzinski in the box and scored from 15 yards out to give the Bears a 1-0 advantage.
 
Prondzinski added to the Missouri State lead in the 65^th minute when she picked up a rebound off a saved shot and netted the second goal of the game, 2-0.
 
Southeast returns to Houck Field for a showdown with ACC foe Louisville on Monday, Labor Day. The match will feature a cookout sponsored by Stevie's Steakurger for the first 500 fans and coupons for free Andy's Frozen Custard for the first 300 Southeast students. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m. from Houck.