Mustangs Close Regular Season with Loss to Park

PARKVILLE, Mo. — Mount Mercy fell 3-1 to Park University on Saturday, conceding three first-half goals before steadying play in the second period of Heart of America Athletic Conference action.

The Mustangs (7-8-2, 5-7-1) weathered an early surge from the Pirates, who struck three times in the opening 29 minutes. Patrycia Kozak opened the scoring in the 16th minute off an assist from Rand Taleb, followed by goals from Lizeth Suarez and Emma Le, each set up by Megan Everhart.

Mount Mercy responded in the 38th minute when Brielle Bastian converted off a feed from Emelly Padilha, cutting the deficit to 3-1. The Mustangs generated nine shots on goal and earned nine corner kicks, applying sustained pressure late in the match but unable to find the net again.

Goalkeeper Manuela Gutierrez recorded 10 saves in 90 minutes, anchoring the back line against 20 Park shots. Eden Campbell paced Mount Mercy with five corner deliveries, while Lauren O'Toole and Bastian each tallied multiple shots on goal.

The Mustangs will look ahead to the Heart tournament, taking place next week.