Fayette, Mo. - Central Methodist and Davis Field hosted a Top 25 women's soccer matchup between No. 24 MidAmerica Nazarene and No. 7 CMU, where the home side secured a 2-0 victory Wednesday night.

The Eagles improve to 11-1-1 and 6-1 in conference play, while the Pioneers fall to 9-3-1 and 3-3-1. Central also extends their winning streak against MNU to eight consecutive games.

Both goals came early in the match, beginning with a dangerous cross by the Eagles into the box in the second minute, which caused trouble for the Pioneers' defense. The cross led to an own goal and gave CMU a 1-0 lead.

With momentum on their side, the Eagles struck again just three minutes later when reigning Heart Offensive Player of the Week, Mariana Barreto, scored the second goal, assisted by leading goalscorer Kirstine Lykke. This marked Barreto's seventh goal in her last three matches.

Though the Pioneers began to settle and control possession, building from the back consistently, their offensive efforts were not enough to break through CMU's strong backline before halftime.

In the second half, CMU dominated offensively, registering seven shots compared to MNU's lone attempt. Despite the pressure, neither team found the back of the net, leaving the final score at 2-0 in favor of the Eagles.

Pioneers' goalkeeper Fiona Popetschnig finished the match with three saves, while Eagles' goalkeeper Madison Priebe recorded a clean sheet in the 2-0 shutout. 

CMU will return to action Saturday, Oct. 12, traveling to Canton, Missouri, to face the Culver-Stockton Wildcats.

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