Sept. 25, 2002
Up this Week
The Missouri women's soccer team opens its Big 12 Conference season hosting Nebraska and Colorado. The Tigers face the Cornhuskers on Fri., Sept. 27 at 7:00 p.m., before taking on the Buffaloes on Sun., Sept. 29 at 1:00 p.m. Both games are to be played at Audrey J. Walton Soccer Complex.
Radio Coverage
All 2002 Missouri soccer games will be aired on KCOU-Radio 88.1 FM. Dan Hopkins brings all the action of the Tiger season home to fans. Internet broadcasts of each game are also available by logging onto the KCOU website at www.kcou.missouri.edu.
Tiger Promotions
Mizzou soccer invites the Columbia and Capital Soccer Clubs to the MU-Nebraska game on Friday. All club players will receive discounted tickets for just $2 when wearing their club uniforms. Joining the soccer clubs, the Tigers welcome the Columbia Boys and Girl Scouts of America. Scouts wearing their uniforms also receive admission to the game for just $2.
The Missouri-Colorado game on Sunday is Student Day. All Missouri students can register to win a gift certificate to the Tiger Team Store for unique Mizzou gear. In addition, all fans bringing their Mizzou-Troy State football ticket stub will receive a discounted admission for just $2.
Scouting Nebraska
Nebraska comes to Columbia ranked 16th by Soccer Times and 18th by the NSCAA/adidas poll with a 4-2-2 record. The Cornhuskers opened the 2002 season with a 1-1 tie against No. 1 ranked North Carolina. Nebraska owns its two losses to No. 21 ranked Florida (0-1) and No. 4 ranked Portland (0-4). All four of Nebraska's victories and both ties have been on its home field while the Cornhuskers have earned both losses on the road.
Last season, Nebraska went 17-5-1 and finished the year ranked 12th by the NSCAA. NU went 8-1-1 to also finish second in the Big 12 Conference. The Cornhuskers return just six starters and 17 letterwinners to the 2002 squad. Missouri is 0-9 against Nebraska.
Scouting Colorado
Colorado is 4-3-0 on the year claiming wins over Fresno State (3-0), Wyoming (1-0), Eastern Illinois (4-1) and Maine (3-2). The Buffaloes take on Kansas on Friday prior to their meeting with the Tigers on Sunday.
In 2001, Colorado was 3-11-2 with a 1-7-2 record in the Big 12 to finish 10th in conference standings. The Buffaloes return six starters and 13 letterwinners this year. Mizzou leads the MU-CU series 4-2.
Tiger Results
Mizzou is 5-2-1 starting the year playing four overtime games, including three consecutive double-overtime matches. Missouri's only losses this season have come after the regulation buzzer. The Tigers fell to Indiana State in double overtime (2-1) and succumbed to Mississippi (2-1) in an overtime period.
The Tigers own two victories and a tie against ranked opponents in 2002, including a 2-1 double-overtime victory over then No. 23 ranked Illinois and Miami. Missouri also fought the Seminoles to a 2-2 standstill while FSU was ranked No. 10. * All rankings are based on where a team was ranked prior to its match with MU.
Mizzou in the Rankings
Opening the 2002 season with two victories and a tie against teams ranked in the top-25 earned Missouri a nod from various voters' polls. Adding three more wins, the Ohio State Invitational title and just two losses to their list of accolades, the Tigers rank seventh in the NSCAA/adidas and ninth in the Soccer Buzz Central Regions.
The Tiger's opening march also earned Missouri two straight weeks earning votes in the national spotlight as Mizzou received top-25 votes from various members of the Soccer Times voting panel.
Tigers in the Big 12
Missouri is currently ranked sixth in the Big 12 Conference with a 5-2-1 record. Oklahoma State leads the pack with a perfect 8-0-0 record as the Cowgirls enter the rugged conference season this weekend. Kansas is ranked second going 6-1-1 and Baylor and Oklahoma tie for fourth with 6-2-0 marks. Texas edges the Tigers with a 5-2-0 record.
The Tigers top the league with 51 saves to average 6.38 saves per outing. The Tigers are also tied for eighth in the Big 12 with two shutout victories.
On the offensive, Missouri ranks fourth in the league averaging 16 shots per game. The Tigers are seventh in overall points (40), goals (14) and assists (12).
Tiger Anchor
Goalkeeper Megan Duncan continues to reaffirm her calling as Mizzou's starting goalkeeper. Duncan has bolstered the Tigers through four overtime games to play 787 minutes in just eight games. She has allowed nine goals to record a 1.03 goals against average and has made 50 saves on the year.
The mark puts her on top of Big 12 competition in overall saves with her closest conference competitor, Kansas' Meghan Miller, that comes in second with just 35 saves. Consequently however, she has played an average 60 minutes more during the 2002 season than other Big 12 goalkeepers.
Duncan also leads the league averaging 6.25 saves per game. She is also ranked fifth with two shutout victories, is fifth in goals against average and seventh in shutouts per game.
The junior was honored as the Ohio State Invitational Defensive Most Valuable Player after leading the Tigers to a 2-0 record. In two games, Duncan made nine saves and allowed just one goal to help Mizzou to the invitational title. She also pulled out her second shutout victory in a 1-0 win over BGSU and was named to the all-tournament team.
Duncan earned Big 12 Player of the Week honors after helping the Tigers to the Florida State Classic title. In just two games, Duncan played 200 minutes, made 20 saves and allowed just two goals. Her 11 saves against Miami tops the Big 12 in single-game saves for the 2002 season. She also owns two games making nine saves against Florida State and Indiana.
Defensive Dynamic
The key to Missouri's success this season has relied on the strength of the Mizzou defensive capabilities. The sophomore squad of Lacy Moore, Kim Hibbert and Ashley Gibbs has successfully thwarted the efforts of their opponents to help the Tigers earn five victories, including two shutout triumphs.
Despite the numbers on the box score showing Miami out shooting Missouri 26 to 10, the Tigers' 1-0 victory over the Hurricanes resulted in intense defensive pressure that forced Miami to take the majority of its shots from 20-yards out and consequently forced few difficult saves from goalkeeper Megan Duncan.
Likewise, the Tigers held Bowling Green to just one shot during the first 45 minutes of play. Returning to the second half, the MU defensive effort kept the Falcons to just two more shots in the game.
Make Note of Moore
Sophomore phenom Lacy Moore's roll as defensive specialist anchoring the Mizzou backfield has proven to be a quality move for the Tiger lineup. As one of the Tigers' most consistent players, Moore has played every minute of Mizzou's eight opening games, including three consecutive double-overtime contests and MU's overtime loss to Mississippi.
Starting the season off on a solid note, she was named to the Nike Tiger Invitational All-Tournament Team for her efforts against both Illinois and Indiana. Bringing the Tigers through a successful weekend at the Ohio State Invitational where Missouri picked up consecutive victories over Ohio State and Bowling Green, Moore was honored as an all-tournament team selection for the second time in 2002.
Hinting on Hibbert
Adding valuable support to the defensive effort, sophomore standard Kim Hibbert has once again earned a starting position on the Missouri defensive line. Playing valuable minutes in the Tigers' opening series providing continuity and fluid movement through the backfield, Hibbert's most dynamic playing feature is her energizing speed.
Using her skills, Hibbert successfully helped hold the entire Bowling Green Falcon starting lineup from taking a single shot during the game. In addition, Hibbert helped shutdown both the Falcon's all-time leading scorer Jill Conover and the Mid-Atlantic Conference Freshman of the Year Kristy Coppes.
The Goods on Gibbs
Joining the defensive ranks, sophomore Ashley Gibbs has also filled a starting position for the Tigers in 2002. After playing sporadically as a freshman last season while recovering from knee surgery, Gibbs jumped into Mizzou's lineup during spring play and quickly proved to be a valuable asset.
The defender put forth a thrilling effort against Miami leading the Hurricane shooting onslaught wayward from the Mizzou goal. She again came through for the Tigers against Ohio State and Bowling Green to help the Tigers claim the tournament title. Gibbs helped the Missouri defense thwart the Buckeye's scoring attempts. OSU's only goal in the game was scored on a direct penalty kick from a foul committed in the Mizzou goal box. Likewise, she also assisted the Tigers in keeping BGSU's forward lines to just three shots on goal. Gibbs was honored as an all-tournament team pick.
Filling a valuable role against Mississippi State, Gibbs earned her first team save of the year deflecting a secondary shot unreachable by goalkeeper Megan Duncan.
Considering Crossett
Senior Carrie Crossett has come in off the bench to make valuable contributions for the Tigers. Playing against Mississippi, the defender stepped in to rejuvenate Missouri's game and help send the Tigers into overtime play. The feisty player shadowed Ole Miss' leading scorer Kelly Renie allowing the forward just one shot on goal during the match.
Forward Force
The Missouri offensive effort continues to develop under the pressure of competition. In just eight games, the Tigers have recorded two shutout victories and claimed wins over two top-25 opponents. The combination of speed, skillful positioning and tactical play has set Mizzou's offensive style apart from the competition. Relying heavily on the speed and dexterity of the forward line, the continuity of the Tigers offensive efforts can only be increased throughout the season.
Dishing on Davis
Capturing the headlines, forward Adriene Davis returns as one of Mizzou's go-to players on the offensive line. Ranked third on the team with six points on the year, Davis has scored one goal and leads the team tied with four assists. Davis' scoring ingenuity looks to be a key factor for Mizzou's season as she also ranks fourth in the Big 12 Conference in assists.
In the record books, Davis ranks third in Missouri's career assist charts with 21.
Peabody Paradigms
Accentuating the forward ranks, Missy Peabody continues to stun the opposition with her electrifying speed and play making ability. Peabody put in her third goal of the year against Mississippi State before turning around just a minute later to dish an assist to help Karen Bauer increase Missouri's lead. She came back against Mississippi to help Jennifer Nobis score Mizzou's only point and send the game into overtime.
Peabody leads the team with 10 points on the year scoring three goals and dishing out four assists. The sophomore also leads the Tigers' offensive thrust taking 38 shots, including 16 shots on goal, and claiming two game-winning goals.
The forwards is second in the Big 12 and is second in the league averaging 4.75 shots per game. Her eight shots against Florida State ties for the 2002 Big 12 high. Peabody is also ranked sixth in the Big 12 in overall points, is tied for eighth in goals and fourth in assists.
Swoboda Specs
Offensive reserve player Shea Swoboda has come in off the bench to provide rejuvenated efforts for the Tigers through out the beginning stanza. A hard-nosed forward, Swoboda came out strong against both Mississippi State and Mississippi. Her intensity paid off against the Bulldogs as the sophomore scored her second goal of the season unassisted. Always seeming to be in the right place at the right time, Swoboda successfully redirected a deflected ball with a header to put Missouri on the scoreboard.
Swoboda also boosted the Tigers to victories over OSU and BGSU, the forward put Mizzou on the board against the Buckeyes knocking down a header to give Mizzou a 1-0 lead going into half time intermission.
Serving as one of Mizzou's most accurate shooters leading the team with an 80 percent shot on goal ratio in 2001, Swoboda tops the charts once again shooting 67 percent. She has taken six of her nine shots on goal in 2002. Swoboda is ranked fifth on the team with two goals and nine points on the year.
Assessing Swinehart
Freshman Amber Swinehart has started her Mizzou career solidly earning a starting position in just her first year. The forward has risen as the Tigers' second leading scorer putting in three goals to start her collegiate career.
Swinehart scored the game-tying goal against Illinois on a header following a Mizzou corner kick. She came around to deal another blow scoring Mizzou's second goal against then No. 10 ranked Florida State and was also a play maker in the Tigers' win over No. 23 Miami. Although Karen Bauer scored the game-winner on a penalty kick, Swinehart earned the PK attempt after being fouled inside the Hurricane goalbox.
The freshman didn't technically earn her third goal of the year until she lobbed a long ball from beyond 35 yards to skim the top net against Ohio State. As a follow up, Swinehart also dished out her first assist on her way to OSU Invitational all-tournament team honors helping Missy Peabody with a game-winning assist against BGSU.
The scoring onslaught has tied Swinehart for eighth in the Big 12 Conference in goals.
Noting Nobis
Also playing valuable minutes on the Mizzou forward line, freshman Jennifer Nobis leads the newcomers with 15 shots, including seven shots on goal. The forward finally found the net against Mississippi scoring Mizzou's only goal against the Rebels. Positioned inside the box, she collected a well-placed flick from Peabody for the score.
After battling a stomach ailment that kept her from the Tigers' match with Florida State, Nobis returned for a sound performance against No. 23 ranked Miami. After a valiant offensive effort, Nobis was able to help the Missouri scoreboard dishing out an assist against Ohio State. The freshman used her incredible speed to dribble a ball from the half field where she was able to dish a pass to fellow forward Melissa McLellan. Although McLellan was unable to get a shot off, her one-touch lift enabled Shea Swoboda to score with a header.
Mizzou Midfielders
The Tigers' characteristic playing style of fast paced skillful ball movement centers upon the abilities of its half field line. Serving as the crux of both Mizzou's offensive and defensive capabilities, the Tiger midfield has diligently looked to improve its vision and touch. Playing a three-four-three formation, Missouri's talents and continued improvements look to be a key factor in the team's success this season.
Breaking Down Bauer
Aiding the Tigers' offensive calculations, sophomore Karen Bauer jumps in as one of Mizzou's most influential setup players. Dishing out her first assist of the season against Indiana, Bauer fills the dual role of both offensive threat and backup support. After a valiant defensive effort helping to spoil 26 Miami shot attempts, Bauer showed her scoring prowess scoring the Tigers' only goal against the Hurricanes on a penalty kick. She came back to score her second goal on the year against Mississippi State receiving an assist from Missy Peabody for a shot five-yards from the Bulldog goal box.
The midfielder also owns one assist on the season dishing a flick to forward Adriene Davis to help the Tigers score their only goal against Indiana. The marks rank her fourth on the team with five points, including one game-winning goal.
Harping on Heil
Sophomore Kristen Heil has assumed a starting role in the Tiger half field this season utilizing her speed and cut throat playing style to outmaneuver the opposition. A solid defensive player, Heil is capable of quickly making the swing transition from offensive threat to defensive hazard.
Showing her attacking mettle for the first time this season, Heil scored the game-winning goal in Missouri's 3-1 victory over Ohio State. After an unsuccessful Missouri shot struck the Buckeye's post, Heil was able to collect the rebound for a triumphant 12-yard goal.
Exploring Pusch
Midfielder Erica Pusch has joined the starting lineup as a freshman this year as well. Boosting the Tigers' exhilarating speed, Pusch has enhanced Missouri's consistency and poise. Named to the all-tournament team following two solid performances in the Nike Tiger Invitational, the freshman continues to elevate Mizzou's technicality.
Scoring her first collegiate goal against Illinois, Pusch put Mizzou over the top scoring the game-winner on a ball served by Missy Peabody. In addition to her game-winning shot, Pusch leads the Tigers with an.833 shot on goal percentage taking five of six shots on goal.
Pursuing Probst
Senior Suzy Probst once again fills in as one of the cornerstones of the Missouri program providing invaluable support in the half field. A continual presence, Probst's keen insight and vision serve as one of Missouri's most valuable assets improving fluid ball movement through the midfield.
After solid play in the Tigers' opening games, the senior suffered an ankle injury against Miami. Following a week of rehabilitation, Probst was able to start against Ohio State, but consequently re-agitated the injury. Making her way back into the Tiger lineup, Probst played valuable minutes against Mississippi State and Mississippi.