Aug. 27, 2000
Columbia, Mo.--The University of Missouri women's soccer team is 1-1 taking its first loss of the season to Purdue in a 2-1 contest today. The Boilermakers outshot the Tigers 17-9. Although MU had a 7-9 shots on goal ratio, it was only able to put one ball in the net.
Both teams battled through the first half of the game. Purdue forced eight shots in the first half but were kept at bay by the talented Missouri defense. Junior Dyana Russell was in perfect form shutting down the left wing strikers. The Tiger offense launched four shots in the first half, but were also unsuccessful.
The Boilermakers opened the second half with a goal in the 48th minute. Sophomore Chrissy Creamer took a shot that was deflected by MU goalkeeper Graham Watson only to be returned for a goal by freshman Courtney Coppedge before Watson could reposition.
Missouri came back to tie the score 1-1 in the 59th minute when senior Kristin Boecker lobbed a pass to forward Jennifer McMaster in the far right corner of the upper box. McMaster collected the ball for a cross shot into the left top corner of the net.
Ironically, Purdue's game-winning goal almost mirrored its predecessor. Freshman Megan Jurvis took a 10-yard shot that was blocked by Watson. Boilermaker Tari St. John possessed the ball and scored an uncontested goal.
The game proved physical forcing 17 Purdue and 14 Missouri fouls. The Tigers also received two yellow cards in the game, one for illegal substitutions.
The Tigers return to Audrey J. Walton Soccer Complex Sept. 1-3 to host the Ellis Copy Tiger Invitational. Wake Forest, Ohio State and Florida State join Missouri in the tournament. Wake Forest opens the event against Ohio State on Fri., Sept. 1 at 1:30 p.m. Missouri and Florida State follow with a game beginning at 4:00 p.m. The Invitational resumes play on Sun., Sept. 3 at 10:00 a.m. in a match between Florida State and Ohio State. A contest between Wake Forest and Missouri rounds out the competition at 12:00 p.m.