University of Missouri
Wake Forest
Missouri upsets No. 12 ranked Wake Forest
9/3/2000 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Sept. 3, 2000
Columbia, Mo.-The University of Missouri women's soccer team defeated No. 12 ranked Wake Forest 2-0 to win the Ellis Copy Tiger Invitational today. The Tigers defeated No. 23 ranked Florida State 2-1 on Fri., Sept. 1 before upsetting the Demon Deacons in the championship bracket. Mizzou and Wake Forest went head-to-head--the Tigers pounding 15 shots over the Deacons 14. MU also slammed 12 shots on goal and left Wake Forest to six net saves. The game is the Tigers' and starting goalkeeper Graham Watson's first shutout of the season. She played the entire match and made six saves.
The Missouri defense worked overtime in the first half allowing only four Wake Forest shots, all of which were on goal. The Tigers shot off five strikes in the first half, but both teams were unsuccessful posting a score.
The Tigers reentered the second half rejuvenated. Both teams pounded 10 shots, but despite Wake Forest hammering in six on goal, Watson held the Deacons back. Junior Dyana Russell once again played a key role in the Missouri defensive effort. Her speed and muscle power kept Wake Forest powerhouse Stacy Roeck to just two shots on goal in the game. Also lending support on the defensive line was Mandy Waters. The senior took the Deacon's leading scorer, sophomore Lindsey Griffin, out of her element and allowed the underclassman only one shot in the contest.
Missouri freshman shined as the Tiger's offensive leaders in the match. Adriene Davis scored her third goal of the season-her first game-winning. She lured the keeper from the box giving senior Nikki Thole a shot opportunity. A Deacon defender deflected the strike, but before the keeper could reposition Davis tipped in the goal.
Melissa McLellan, who scored goals in the Tigers' wins over Evansville (exhibition) and Creighton, put in MU's second goal unassisted. Watson drop kicked a long ball into the Wake Forest backfield. McLellan collected the ball and took it to the net.
The win boosts Missouri and drops Wake Forest to 3-1 season records.
"I think that the greatest thing about this game is that it proved to the team that when they're focused and believe in each other they are unstoppable," MU Head Coach Bryan Blitz said. "We trained really hard this last week and worked on staying focused. This isn't just a good win, it's great because of the way we won."
In consolation play, Ohio State took a 2-1 win over Florida State. Although the Seminoles dominated the game outshooting the Buckeyes 25-8, Ohio State pulled through with the victory. OSU goalkeeper Amber Barnes made 15 saves in the game allowing only one goal.
The win takes both teams to 2-2 season records.
