Sept. 17, 2000
Winston-Salem, N.C.-The University of Missouri is 4-4 after falling to California in a 2-1 overtime battle. While the Bears outshot the Tigers 25-7, Mizzou dished out six for seven shots on goal and left California to just five net shots. The rough and tumble game resulted in 33 combined fouls and two Missouri yellow cards.
The teams battled through a tough scoreless first half. The Golden Bears led the game pressing the Tiger defense during the period. The Mizzou backfield squad kept the Tigers in the game however forcing misplaced shots and Tiger goal kicks. Of California's eight attempts, MU goalkeeper Megan Duncan was only forced to make two saves. The Missouri offense was also kept to just two shots on goal in the half.
True to form, Missouri returned to the second half with a fire. All-American Nikki Thole scored her fourth goal of the season when a Cal defender pulled her to the ground earning her a free kick just outside the box. Thole sent the ball clean into the top left half corner of the net to post the Tigers on the board. The goal rejuvenated the teams' efforts. The Bears continued to pound the Mizzou goal however, taking 14 shots in the second half. They seemed unable to capitalize sending balls high and wide, until a flick sent in on a Bear corner kick trickled over the goal line to tie the score 1-1.
The Golden Bears turned in the game winning goal in sudden death overtime to hand the Tigers the loss. Kyla Sabo took a powerful shot that rebounded off the cross bar and was put in by Brittany Kirk.
Defender Dyana Russell once again showed All-America potential in the game. Her hard nosed, dominant playing style anchored the MU defense and stripped countless Cal forwards of the ball. Sweeper Kristin Gibbons came through with an important team save blocking out a free kick on the right post and junior Mandy Waters served as the Tiger lynch pin in the center creating valuable passing lanes.
Duncan is now 1-1 on the season. The freshman played the entire game making five saves and allowing two goals.
