University of Missouri
Iowa
Tigers Down Hawkeyes 2-0
9/7/2001 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Sept. 7, 2001
Columbia, Mo.-The University of Missouri women's soccer team opens the 2001 season with an undefeated 4-0 season-the Tigers best start since the inception of the program in 1996. Missouri claimed its third back-to-back shutout victory tonight with a 2-0 win over Iowa.
The Tigers played a solid game from the kickoff, as Missouri quickly put a strong defensive effort behind the ball enabling the offense to thrive. Freshman Melissa Peabody scored her third goal of the season putting the Tigers on the board in the 16th minute of the match. The forward controlled a pass sent inside by midfielder Steph Brennan for the game-winner.
Defensive phenom Dyana Russell came up big for the Tigers on the offensive as well as defensive side of the game as she scored Mizzou's second goal unassisted. The senior dribbled the ball from the half field circle, through the Hawkeye defense, and sent a rocket past the Iowa goalkeeper.
Overall, Missouri only outshot Iowa 17-13. Goalkeeper Megan Duncan played a stellar game picking up her second shutout victory on the year. She made eight saves for the Tigers.
The Tigers continue the 2001 season hosting Eastern Illinois on Tues., Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Coach Bryan Blitz
On the defense...
"Our defense still needs to move the ball faster and make some better decisions. They certainly did a great job for us tonight. Iowa has a great forward in Sarah Lynch and they shut her down tonight, so I'm proud of that...We just wanted to be aware of her. She go through a few times, she got a shot off and Megan made a good save in the first half."
On Melissa Peabody...
"You never know with freshmen. Sometimes they're on fire at the beginning and then they fizzle. Freshmen are just up and down. Melissa certainly is playing well and has been confident in her last couple of games."
On Iowa...
"Big Ten teams are usually very physical, while Big 12 teams are built for speed."
On goalkeepers...
"We are still splitting. They have both done a great job. Megan did a great job, especially on the save tonight, she saved us on that game. We will probably split up until at least Duke/North Carolina, at this point."
