ST. CHARLES, Mo. – The No. 15-ranked Northeastern State men's soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to Lindenwood Sunday afternoon at Hunter Stadium.
 
The RiverHawks (9-6, 3-3 MIAA) lost their second-straight match and have fallen from first in the MIAA standings to third with two matches remaining in league play. The Lions (8-5-2, 4-1-1 MIAA) are now atop the table on 13 points.
 
Lindenwood scored the lone goal of the match that came in the run of play in the 22nd minute when Alfredo Paez was able to find the back of the net.
 
NSU equalized in the 36th minute when junior midfielder Jonathan Guzman converted a penalty kick, but two LWU PK's would be enough to lift the home side to victory. Steven Hutchison missed the first attempt in the 40th minute, but the Lions were gifted a second opportunity four minutes later that was netted by Jose Sanchez.
 
Northeastern State attempted six shots on frame in the final 45 minutes but were unable to pull the match level.
 
Lindenwood outshot NSU 29-19 and led 8-5 in corner kicks.
 
Senior goalkeeper Eric Shephard (9-6-0) made six saves but took the loss, while Andrew Hamerlinck (7-5-2) finished with eight saves in the winning effort.
 
The RiverHawks will return to Tahlequah for their final two home matches of the regular season, beginning with a 5 p.m. Oct. 29 rematch with Southern Nazarene. The contest will serve as Senior Day for NSU's eight seniors. Northeastern State defeated the Crimson Storm 7-0 on Oct. 10 in Bethany, Oklahoma.
 
Scoring Summary
NSU                 1          0          –          1
LWU                 2          0          –          2
 
Individual Scoring
Alfredo Paez (LWU) at 21:57 (unassisted)
Jonathan Guzman (NSU) at 35:34 (penalty kick)
Jose Sanchez (LWU) at 43:37 (penalty kick)
 
Goalkeeper Saves
Eric Shephard (NSU) – 6
Andrew Hamerlinck (LWU) – 8
 
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