No. 8 Wildcats Fall to No. 1 Central Methodist in Heart Quarterfinals

FAYETTE, Mo. – After clinching its spot in the conference tournament with a must-win game in the regular-season finale, No. 8 Baker women's soccer fell to top-seed Central Methodist, 5-0 in the quarterfinals of the Heart of America Conference Tournament on Saturday night in Fayette, Mo. to bring the Wildcats' 2023 season to a close.

The Eagles scored four goals in the first half, including back-to-back goals coming within a manner of seconds in the 6th minute, before tacking on a fifth goal in the second half to earn the opening-round win.

"We definitely came out scared and slow in the first half and were punished for it on the scoreboard," said Baker head coach Sara Matthews. "However, we responded in a big way after halftime with determination and could walk off the field knowing our last effort was full of pride and hard work. I have much respect for CMU, they always represent the conference so well on the national scale, so best of luck to them."

CMU peppered the BU defense with a total of 21 shots in the match, while Wildcats keeper Jorja Martin collected six saves in a busy finale for the junior from Shawnee, Kan., who finished off a 2023 season that saw her have to step in at goalie due to injuries.

Baker earned three corner kicks in the contest, all coming in the second half of action with Ellie Shumate tallying a header off of a set piece that ended up being blocked by a CMU defender in the 67th minute.

Caitlin Youles registered two shots in the match with both of hers landing on target, but winding up in the hands of the Eagles keeper.

It was a corner kick just into the 6th minute of play that led to the Eagles' first goal of the match with their freshman forward Mariana Barreto finding the back of the net. Then, quickly after the restart, CMU added a second goal just 16 seconds later to take an early 2-0 lead.

The Eagles stretched its lead out to 4-0 with another couple of goals coming before halftime. They scored in the 27th minute before making it a four-goal advantage in the 38th minute.

Shortly after halftime, CMU added its fifth and final goal with Barreto completing her brace with a score in the 48th minute to cap the match at 5-0.

Youles looked to get Baker on the scoreboard in the 80th minute after sending a shot towards goal after a CMU foul.

"In regards to the season, what a year to be proud of knowing we can finally say on paper we played almost the whole season with a field player in goal after a few untimely injuries," added Matthews. "We bought into a new formation and strategy that took time, but ultimately propelled us into the playoffs. We pushed on and earned that in a conference that is one of the strongest in the country.

"A huge shoutout to Jorja Martin for taking on the responsibility of our starting goalkeeper, she dove in head first with positivity and rocked it. Another big thank you to our seniors for leading the way and keeping us together through that for their fantastic four years that includes a trip to the national tournament. There is so much to be proud of over your playing years and you will forever be part of the BUWS legacy."

The Wildcats close the books on a 2023 campaign that saw them finish with a 5-11-2 record and reach the Heart Tournament for the fifth straight year. Baker finished off the regular season by winning three of its final five matches, including a 3-0 victory over Mount Mercy in the final game of the season to earn a spot in the postseason tournament.

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