Sept. 13, 2002
Columbus, Ohio-The Mizzou soccer team pulled out another heart stopping victory bringing down the Ohio State Buckeyes 3-1 tonight. Despite being out shot in the match 15-to-6, the Tigers were able to score three goals in an extremely aggressive 31 foul game.
The first 45 minutes proved to be a testing period where both teams made runs, but neither was able to capitalize on three shot attempts. With just 15 seconds left in the first period however, the Tigers took their first dig. Freshman Jennifer Nobis brought a ball from midfield through the Buckeye defensive flanks. She sent a pass high through the OSU box where Melissa McLellan got a foot in, but unintentionally sent the shot high. Sophomore Shea Swoboda characteristically came in as Mizzou's player at the right place at the right time and slammed the deflection into the net with a header.
Coming back into the second period with a deficit, Ohio State advanced on the Missouri goal ferociously. The Tiger defensive staff led by sophomore Lacy Moore stepped up however to keep Mizzou grounded against the onslaught. Seventy minutes into the game, Missouri's persistence once again paid off as Kristen Heil sunk another goal into the OSU net. The Tigers earned a free kick that was deflected by the Buckeye defense. Heil collected the ball in the left corner of the box for a 12-yard shot.
The 2-0 shortfall increased OSU's frustration, which the Buckeyes then looked to relieve with increasingly physical play. Moments after Missouri's second goal OSU's Colleen Hoban shouldered her way into the Mizzou box to take two close range shots. Goalkeeper Megan Duncan was once again at the height of her game and came up with two masterful saves before defender Ashley Gibbs was able to clear the ball from the goal.
The Tigers continued to ward off the Buckeyes attempts, including a close call when Emily Gilbert launched a hard shot that was deflected off the goalpost. Ohio State's determination however finally paid off as the Buckeyes received a direct kick from a foul committed inside the Mizzou goal box. Jen Miller scored OSU's only point in the game, despite taking three of four shots on goal during the match.
Unwilling to let the Buckeyes' goal go pardoned, Missouri continued to maintain the pressure. With just seven minutes remaining, the Tigers reaffirmed their victory scoring a third and final goal. Forward Amber Swinehart was dished a throw in from Adriene Davis and fired a round from 35-yards out. The ball skimmed the top of the OSU net just above the reach of keeper Anna Mitchell.
A fight until the end, the Missouri midfield played a solid game holding a rugged Big Ten opponent. Suzy Probst, Karen Bauer and Erica Pusch each came through with hardnosed efforts to keep Mizzou in control of the match. Results of the fray were witnessed in the 31 combined fouls and two yellow cards issued to the two teams during the rigorous and intense game however. Even with the hustle, the hard fought victory adds another win to Duncan's record, as she is now 3-1-1 on the year making six saves and allowing one goal against the Buckeyes.
The Tigers resume play in the Ohio State Tournament on Sun., Sept. 15 when they take-on the Bowling Green State Falcons at 10:30 a.m. (CST).