San Antonio, Texas--The University of Missouri women's soccer team proved that history does not always repeat itself. The Tigers entered the 2001 Big 12 Tournament facing a deja vu situation that took them back to the previous season.
Last year, Missouri dropped its final season conference game to Baylor and then turned around to face the Bears in round one of the conference championship. This season, the Tigers fell to Kansas 2-0 in their final conference match-up and were once again paired with their most recent rival in game one. This time however, Missouri would not go down.
Missouri defeated Kansas in a second sudden-death overtime period 1-0. The victory boosts Mizzou's season record to 13-7 and advances them to the second round of the Big 12 Tournament. The loss finishes Kansas's season at 13-6.
From the kick off Mizzou dominated the game both offensively and defensively. The Tigers used controlled passing and precision to maneuver the field. Midfielders Lacy Moore, Steph Brennan and Suzy Probst served as the backbone of the Missouri effort keeping the Jayhawks on their toes in the half field.
The two teams battled through the first half, Missouri took 3-of-4 four shots on goal while Kansas went 3-for-3. Mizzou also took an unprecedented five cornerkicks in the half, but were unable to capitalize and left the period in a 0-0 standstill.
Missouri kept the pressure strong during the second half taking 11 shots. Missy Peabody and Karen Bauer served as Mizzou's running guns. Peabody ripped off three shots and Bauer launched four. Despite the offensive threat, including two near goals that ricocheted off the goal post, the Tigers rounded out 90 minutes scoreless.
Mizzou's fitness regimen is what ultimately what sealed the Tiger's victory. After playing through a 15-minute scoreless sudden-death overtime period, Missouri continued to play strong. With eight minutes left in second-overtime, Peabody broke through the Kansas defense on a fast break and was pulled down by a Jayhawk defender inside the KU box resulting in a foul. Bauer stepped up for Missouri scoring the game-winning penalty kick.
Overall, Missouri dominated 111 minutes of play outshooting Kansas 21-to-12, including a 6-to-10 shot on goal differential. The Tigers also set a Missouri program record taking 12 corner kicks in the match. Goalkeeper Megan Duncan earns the win for MU taking her season tally to 11-7. She made six saves in the game.
The Tigers advance to round two of the Big 12 Tournament where they face the No. 1 seeded Texas Longhorns on Fri., Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m., in Blossom Soccer Stadium.