CLEVELAND, Tenn.--- The Mississippi College women's soccer team fell to Lee University 2-0 on Friday afternoon (Sept. 16th) in a battle between top 20 squads nationally. MC came into the match ranked #12, while Lee was ranked #18. Juliana Lopes and Ellie Crisler scored the goals for the Lady Flames. MC falls to 4-2 (1-1 GSC) on the year, while Lee improves to 4-0-3 (2-0-1 GSC). 

The opening goal for Lee came early in the match off of a corner in the 2nd minute. Mallory Hayden played the ball in to Lopes who put it home to put Lee ahead early. 

That 1-0 scoreline would remain for the rest of the first half. Overall for the opening 45 minutes, MC was outshot 10-2. However, Lee's only shot on goal was the goal itself. MC also had one shot on goal in the 1st half as well. Avery Burleson had both of MC's shots in the half.

The Lady Choctaws began threatening a lot more in the 2nd half however, as MC had the run of the run of play for most of the second 45. 

Arguably MC's best chance at an equalizer came in the 75th minute on a shot from Avery Hederman. MC had a free kick, and Hederman ripped a shot directly on goal. Her shot tested Lee goalkeeper Josie Taylor, but Taylor was able to make the diving save. 

Lee then scored the late dagger on a counter in the 85th minute. Grace Berry got the ball in the midfield and played a throughball to Ellie Crisler who had gotten past the MC backline. Crisler was able to score and double Lee's lead to 2-0. That lead would ultimately become the final score.

Overall for the match, MC outshot Lee 13-12 and held a 9-3 edge in shots on goal. Avery Hederman led the way for MC in shots with three (all on goal). Erin Hederman, Burleson, and MaryElla White all added two shots apiece. Both of Erin Hederman's shots were on target.

Next up, MC will stay on the road to play Shorter University on Sunday afternoon in Rome, Ga.