KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After losing its first game of the season this past weekend, the Drake University women's soccer team plays at UMKC Wednesday at 7 p.m. Following Wednesday night's game, the Bulldogs return to the Cownie Soccer Complex Sunday, Sept. 25 to host Evansville in their Missouri Valley Conference opener.
 
Drake is 7-1-1 this season after the loss at SDSU Sunday afternoon. The Jackrabbits scored two first-half goals and later added an insurance goal in the closing minutes to snap the Bulldogs' eight-game undefeated streak. The impressive undefeated start is one of the best in MVC history with only two other teams in the league having better starts. For the fourth consecutive week, Drake is ranked in the NSCAA Great Lakes region as the Bulldogs are 10^th in this week's poll released Tuesday.
 
The three goals scored by the Jackrabbits are a season-high allowed by Drake, who going into the game had allowed just one goal total in the first eight games. Even with the three goals allowed, the Bulldogs still have one of the best goals against averages at .434, which ranks 11^th in the nation.
 
UMKC is 2-5-2 this season after the Kangaroos edged South Dakota, 2-1, Sept. 18. Last season, UMKC won 1-0 in Des Moines, Iowa as the Kangaroos scored the only goal in the first 11 minutes and then held off a furious comeback attempt from the Bulldogs to earn their first win in the all-time series (Drake, 3-1-1).
 
Evansville is the defending 2015 MVC Tournament champions. The Purple Aces hold a 1-9-1 overall record this season, but have played a challenging slate of games. Bronwyn Boswell has scored a league-leading five goals. Drake edged Evansville, 2-1, last season in Evansville, Ind.
 
Following Sunday's game, Drake continues conference play at Indiana State on Sept. 30 at 6 p.m.  The game will be available via The Valley On ESPN3.