ST. LOUIS – The University of Missouri-St. Louis women's soccer team opened its 2023 season with 2-2 draw against Northwest Missouri State on Friday evening at Don Dallas Field.

The Bearcats (0-0-1) opened the scoring with a goal in the 21st minute. Makenna West served a cross into the 18-yard box that the Tritons Taylor Martin tried to clear but the ball fell to Ximena Arnau who passed it to Kaylie Rock and Rock beat Mary Kate Neal inside the right post for her first of the season.

UMSL came right back less than two minutes later. The Tritons won a corner kick and Emily Bloomfield served it into the six-yard box, Jaycee Cotton went up and was able to get a head on it and beat Lily Ellis inside the left post.

The Tritons had a 7-5 advantage in shots in the first 45 minutes and 5-2 edge in corner kicks.

Northwest Missouri regained the lead in the 61st minute. West was fouled just inside the top of the penalty area by Cotton and was awarded a penalty kick. Arnau stepped up to the spot and beat Neal for the go-ahead goal.

UMSL got the equalizer with less than 10 minutes remaining in the contest. After winning a corner kick, Bloomfield served one into the box. Kayley Judy got a head passing it back to Martin. Martin got a head on it on the second attempt and the ball went to Jada Holloman who was able to beat Ellis for the tying goal.

The Tritons had one more chance in the final minute winning another corner kick but was unable to get a shot on frame.

Each side had 10 shots in the contest with the Bearcats having a 7-6 advantage in shots on goal. UMSL had a 9-4 edge in corner kicks.

Neal made five saves in the contest.

The Tritons continue their season opening four-game homestand on Sunday hosting Washburn at noon at Don Dallas Soccer Field. The Ichabods defeated Drury 2-0 on Friday evening at the Lou Fusz Soccer Complex.