October 30, 1998
The Tigers closed out their home season today in Walton Stadium. And if they had it their way that would probably be the end of the story. However, it's not, and it's not the end of their season. They still have to face Colorado on Sunday in a tough Big 12 match. However they did play today and Illinois beat them 1-2.
However, there were some definite highlights of the game. The Dynamic Duo- forwards Nikki Thole and Erin Grimsley proved that even without starting the game they can still be a force to reckon. Thole scored her 18th goal of the season in attempts to pull Missouri out of their loss. Goalkeeper Jackie Adamec again had a performance worthy of superhero status. At one point Illinois' Lindsay Johnson took her on one on one, but Ademac snagged the ball from her feet. Illinois came out strong and wasted no time starting the offensive attack. In the thirteenth minute of the game, freshman forward Emily Brown found the back of the net on a rebounded shot. The Fighting Illini out shot the Tigers 6-3 in the first half. On the attack again in the second half Illinois scored three minutes after kickoff. It was Emily Brown again with the second goal. However, Missouri tried to catch up and in the 57th minute, Thole notched the lone Missouri goal.
Missouri ends their home season with a record of 5-4-1 in Walton Stadium. They travel to Boulder on Sunday to take on the Buffaloes. As for the post season, it looks as if Missouri will be making an appearance in the San Antonio. Because both Texas Tech and Iowa State lost today, Missouri looks like it will be take the sixth spot in the conference, thus qualifying for the Big 12 Tournament.