MVC women’s soccer record drops to 0-3-1 after four games

Freshman defender Miranda Wilson recovers the ball for Missouri Valley College during the Viking 0-3 loss to Columbia College on August 29, 2023. (Photo by Javi Diaz)

By Kari Patron/Staff Writer

Three minutes into the game, Columbia scored on the Missouri Valley Women’s soccer team. Approximately ten minutes later, the Cougars scored again. After several attempts on goal and saves from both sides, the Vikings were not able to recover in the first half. Following the trading of possession during the second half, Columbia could not be stopped from scoring their third goal and winning the match.

Freshman goalkeeper Marina Barbara Bujalance has picked up 10 saves so far this season (Photo by Javi Diaz)

Highlight performances by Miranda Wilson (freshman), Carla Carmona (sophomore), and Miluska Guevara (Senior) with shots on goal.

The Viking’s record dropped to 0-3-1 after their 3-0 loss against Columbia last Tuesday, August 29.

Missouri Valley started the season at No. 13 in the 2023 NAIA Women’s Soccer Coaches’ Top 25.

This is their fourth game of the season, having previously played William Carey, Jamestown, and Hastings.

Valley’s first match of the 2023 season was played against William Carey on August 19. This was their first loss, with a final score of 6-1. Ashley Arribas took the goal with an assist from Miriam Albado. Marina Barbara Bujalance, freshman goalkeeper, had six saves on goal.

On their second match, the Vikings tied 1-1 with Jamestown on August 23. Carla Carmona, a sophomore midfielder, scored the goal with an assist from Miluska Guevara, a senior midfielder. Goalkeeper Barbara Bujalance made 3 saves on goal.

Valley suffered a 3-0 loss against Hastings for their third match of the season. The Vikings ended the match with two attempts on goal and three saves from Barbara Bujalance.

The Lady Vikings continue their hunt for a win on September 9 with a match against the Pirates of Cumberlands College. (Photo by Javi Diaz)

The top returners this season are Carla Carmona and Ashley Arribas with one goal each, which also makes them the leading scorers, and Muliskan Guevara with an assist and shots on goal.

The Vikings had a 15-3-3 overall record for the 2022 season. They advanced to the second round of the 2022 NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship and ended their season with a runner-up finish in the Heart of America Athletic Conference regular season standings.

Four of the six athletes on the women’s soccer team who were named part of the 2022 Heart of America Athletic Conference All-Conference Team are returning this year. Ashley Arribas (first team), Defender Rina Kinami (first team), Defender Daijah White (second team), and Midfielder Miluska Guevara (second team).

The Delta