Columbia, MO – Stephens College soccer opened its 2026 season and home slate with a 2-2 draw against Avila University on Saturday at Battle High School. The Stars overcame a halftime deficit with a pair of second-half goals to take the lead before Avila found a late equalizer.
Avila struck first in the 25th minute to take a 1-0 advantage. Stephens generated opportunities of its own throughout the opening half, including shots on goal from Amaura Austell and Ava Leininger. Kylee Kratzer nearly found the equalizer in the 34th minute when her attempt hit the post, but the Stars entered halftime trailing 1-0.
Stephens came out strong in the second half and broke through in the 62nd minute. After consecutive attempts were blocked, Austell stayed with the play and put away the equalizer to make it 1-1. The Stars continued to apply pressure and took their first lead of the afternoon just over 10 minutes later when Leininger found the back of the net in the 72nd minute, giving Stephens a 2-1 advantage.
The Stars held the lead until the closing minutes, when Avila scored the equalizer in the 85th minute to make it 2-2. Avila was reduced to 10 players less than a minute later following a red card. The Eagles threatened once more in the final minute with a shot off the crossbar, but the Stars held on to secure the draw.
Stephens finished the match with nine shots, placing five on goal, while Avila recorded 10 shots with six on target. Austell and Leininger led the Stars offensively with three shots and one goal apiece, while Eastin Colyer added two shots, including one on goal. In net, Petra Brncova played all 90 minutes and recorded four saves. Both sides finished with two corner kicks, while Stephens committed nine fouls compared to 13 by Avila.
The Stars begin the season with a 0-0-1 record. They play again at home on Wednesday, August 26th against the University of St. Mary (Kansas) at 7:00pm.
