ST. LOUIS, MO. - The University of Missouri-St. Louis women's soccer team started the 2021 season with a victory at home against Delta State University on Friday afternoon. UMSL was down 1-0 at the half, but netted two unanswered goals to earn the 2-1 home-opening win.

Delta State (0-1) struck first in the 34th minute. Mackenzie Thompson found the back of the net for the Lady Statesmen off a pass by Poppy Derhun. 

The Tritons (1-0) came out of halftime with Paige Schwartz in net. The UMSL defense was tested with six corners in the second period and foiled each attempt by DSU.

Peyton McNabb provided an early spark in the second half, netting the equalizer in the 51st minute. The senior capitalized on a set piece that bounced around the box and rebounded to her right foot. 

In the 87th minute, Courtney Schreiber released Jaycee Cotton who beat the keeper with a contested sliding tap in to the far post. 

The Tritons held strong for the final minutes to earn the 2-1 win.

UMSL will take to the pitch again on Sunday against Saint Martin's University at home. The kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m.