Southeast Missouri State soccer team loses its first game this season

The Southeast Missouri State soccer team outshot visiting Northern Colorado by a 2-to-1 ratio Sunday afternoon at Houck Stadium, but the Redhawks had nothing to show for it besides their first loss of the 2015 season.

Northern Colorado scored the game's only goal when Kassy Castillo scored 12 minutes into the contest as the visiting Bears prevailed 1-0.

Castillo scored off a corner kick by Rebecca Lancia, and it was just one of five shots by the Bears -- four on goal.

Southeast, which fell to 2-1-1, unleashed 10 shots, with six requiring saves by Bears goalie Madeline Burdick.

The Redhawks also held a 6-4 advantage on corner kicks.

Southeast Missouri State's Jennifer Antonacci kicks the ball downfield as Northern Colorado's Kassy Castillo looks on during the first half Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015 at Houck Stadium. (Fred Lynch)

"Although we lost, I think this was a good game to evaluate our players and see who has the heart to be a part of a championship team," Southeast coach Heather Nelson said in a press release. "We certainly stepped up our intensity today. We could've rolled over and played afraid but I think our players did a good job of taking care of each other on the field. We are going to take a lot of what we learned today and put that towards our training this week."

Northern Colorado, which improved to 3-1, had Southeast facing its first halftime deficit of the season despite being outshot 9-3 in the opening half. The Redhawks put five shots on goal.

Southeast mustered just one shot, an attempt by Angie Mann that was stopped by Burdick, in a physical second half. Southeast was whistled for 11 of the 16 fouls called after intermission, finishing with 13 overall. UNC was called for 11 fouls in the game.

Southeast goalkeeper Kendra Lierz made three saves in the contest.

The Redhawks return to action Sept. 7 when they visit Louisville in a non-conference game. It will be the first of three consecutive games away from home. Southeast will play Florida Atlantic and Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, before returning home to play Arkansas Sate on Sept. 18.

Southeast Missouri State's Abby Klintworth beats Northern Colorado's Aleah Strength, left, and Carolyn Cox to the ball during the first half Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015 at Houck Stadium. (Fred Lynch)