May 2, 2002
South Bend, Ind.-The University of Missouri women's soccer team rounded out a successful 2002 spring exhibition season under some dire circumstances. The Tigers battled the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to a rain drenched 3-1 loss.
Notre Dame finished last year 17-3-1, without a loss on their home field, and rounded out the season as Big East Champions. The Irish were led by freshmen All-American Amy Warner and Candance Chapman, both toting experience playing on the international level. Warner highlights as a member of the United States national team while Chapman plays for Canada. Warner led the ND offense scoring two goals and an assist in the game while Champman anchored Notre Dame's defensive efforts.
Missouri stood up against a strong first half onslaught by Notre Dame. Goalkeeper Megan Duncan and defenders Lacy Moore, Kim Hibbert and Ashley Gibbs held the Irish to a 0-0 halftime standstill. The Tigers struggled on the offensive side of the ball without offensive leader Adriene Davis who was sidelined with a knee injury. Overall, Mizzou faced the Irish with seven freshmen on the field.
Notre Dame crashed into the second period scoring three goals. Overall, the Irish dominated offensive possessions while Missouri fought a defensive battle. Not ready to throw in the towel, the Tigers demonstrated poise and courage overcoming the 3-0 deficit to score a goal in the 85th minute. Junior Suzy Probst collected an assist from freshman Kristen Heil to send in MU's only goal in the game.
MU Head Coach Bryan Blitz
" This game was a great learning experience for our team. After two long away weekends, we finished our last spring game away against a very good team. We learned from their maturity and composure in the match. I was proud of our ability to come back and score a goal to end the game. It demonstrated heart from our team."
"Overall, we are extremely please with this spring. We have demanded an amazing amount from our players this spring, and we planned a spring schedule against the very best to finish it off. Our goal is to get to the next level, and we believe that you must play the best to get there."