UTM dropped a heartbreaker to Southeast Missouri State 1-0 for its second Ohio Valley Conference loss of the season. The loss was the fourth consecutive 1-0 decision for the Skyhawks.

UTM’s season record falls to 2-7-1 (0-2), while Southeast Missouri’s record improves to 4-4-0 (1-0).

The Skyhawks’ defense held strong in the first half against a resilient Redhawk offensive attack. The lone goal of the match came with a great deal of controversy when Southeast Missouri’s Nicole Bussman pushed forward as time was winding down in the first half. At the very last moment she fired a shot from 30 yards out that found the top corner of the goal past the diving Skyhawk goal keeper Cara Sullivan.

After a lengthy discussion game officials agreed the shot had come before the halftime buzzer sounded.

As the Skyhawks began the second half they took advantage of breakdowns in the Redhawk defense, giving them quality scoring chances. The best opportunity to tie the score came in the 76th minute when Skyhawk forward Katie Berhrens fired a shot from 20 yards out only to have it knocked away by a diving Redhawk goal keeper Lindsay Pickering.

“We were very unlucky on occasions today,” said Skyhawk head coach Craig Roberts. “Offensively we reshuffled some players and had some success as we are continuing to improve. Now we will regroup and look ahead to the next game.”

UTM will return to action Friday, Sept. 29 when Tennessee Tech visits Skyhawk Field for an OVC match-up. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.