Sept. 20, 2002
Columbia, Mo.-The Mizzou women's soccer team dominated the Mississippi State Bulldogs in an intense 3-1 contest. The Tigers jumped in to throttle the Bulldogs during the first half awakening a tough battle during the second period. Despite a rugged final half, MU was able to pull through with a win to bring their season mark to 5-1-1, including its fourth consecutive victory.
Mizzou started off the game poised and determined. Taking control of the game from the kick-off, Missouri put its first points on the board in the 18th minute of play. Midfielder Erica Pusch sent a pass through to forward Melissa Peabody who ripped off a powerful shot that was blocked by a Bulldog defender. Forward Shea Swoboda skilfully recollected the rebound and throttled the ball into the net scoring her second goal of the season.
The goal lit a fire in the Tigers flaming their efforts to score two more goals within five minutes of play. Frustrated with her previous attempt, Peabody turned up the heat taking a ball from the half field through the Mississippi State defensive line for an unassisted goal just two minutes later. Before the sparks died down, she came back to dish an assist to forward Karen Bauer for another five-yard goal just in under a minute of play.
Mizzou continued to control the game throughout the first period. The Tigers performed controlled and fluid passes to manipulate the ball on the ground. Missouri's defensive line put up a solid front dissuading the Bulldogs from a single shot attempt until the last few minutes of the half. Unwilling to leave the period with a 3-0 deficit, Mississippi State went at the Missouri goal full force. With just two seconds to go in the period the Bulldogs finally capitalized when Betty Ann Casey put a ball past Megan Duncan and put MSU on the scoreboard.
The second half of the game, although scoreless, was as just as intense. The Tigers took several minutes before settling back into their rhythmic playing style. Despite their efforts, and six shot attempts, Mizzou wasn't able to increase its already commanding lead.
Overall, the Tigers outshot the Bulldogs 15 to nine, including nine shots on goal. The victory brings Duncan to a 5-1-1 season record. The goalkeeper played 90 minutes allowing one goal and making four saves.
Mizzou returns to action on Sun., Sept. 22 at 1:00 p.m., when it faces the University of Mississippi at Audrey J. Walton Soccer Complex. The Tigers open Big 12 Conference play next weekend hosting Nebraska and Colorado.