Missouri Hosts Iowa State and Loyola
10/15/2002 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Oct. 15, 2002
Up this Week
The Mizzou women's soccer team hosts the Iowa State Cyclones and the Loyola Ramblers at Audrey J. Walton Soccer Complex. The Tigers face the Cyclones on Fri., Oct. 18 at 7:00 p.m., before taking on the Ramblers on Sun., Oct. 20 at 1:00 p.m.
The Tigers travel to Texas and Texas A&M next weekend before hosting their final home game of the season against the Kansas Jayhawks on Fri., Nov. 1 at 1:00 p.m.
Radio Coverage
All 2002 Missouri home 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
Missouri invites members of the Mizzou Women's Connection and Women's Intersport Network to attend the Iowa State game on Friday at a discounted price. All members receive admission to cheer the Tigers against the Cyclones for just $2.
Sunday is the Mizzou Soccer Gold Rush. All fans wearing gold receive a discounted admission of just $2. In addition to the action of Missouri soccer at a discounted price, 2002 MU soccer trading cards will be distributed free to spectators following both games.
Scouting Iowa State
Iowa State is 5-7-1 this season with a 2-4-0 record in the Big 12 Conference to rank seventh in league standings. The Cyclones' two wins during Big 12 play were back-to-back 2-1 victories over Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. ISU opened the 2002 season with a three-game win streak against Air Force (3-0), Gonzaga (2-1) and Northern Iowa (2-1).
Nikki Gamble leads the Cyclones with 11 points on the year scoring four goals and dishing out three assists. Kristina Baumann is second on the team with a pair of goals and assists for six points. Starting goalkeeper Beth Chapman has played nine games this season allowing 18 goals for a 2.04 goals against average. She leads the team with 43 saves. Backup keeper Karen Hasselman has made five appearances in 2002, allowing seven goals for a 1.50 goals against average while making 19 saves.
Last season, Iowa State was 5-11-2 with a 3-5-2 conference mark to finish eighth in the league. Heading into the game, Missouri owns the MU-ISU series 5-2., including a 1-0 victory last season.
Scouting Loyola
The Ramblers are 4-7-0 on the year with an 0-2-0 Horizon League mark.
Jamie Wasielewski leads Loyola with nine points. She has scored four goals and one assist. Michelle Taylon is second on the team with eight points from three goals and two assists. In the goal, Heather Joseph and Erica Pedini are both playing minutes for Loyola. Joseph has played nine games allowing 17 goals for a 2.52 goals against average. She also owns 36 saves. Pedini has played eight games allowing eight goals for a 1.49 goals against average. She has made 19 saves.
Loyola rounded out 2001 with a 6-12-1 record and finished sixth in the Horizon League with a 2-4-0 conference tally. The Ramblers return 10 starters and 18 letterwinners to face the Tigers that own the series 1-0. Missouri defeated Loyola 4-1 in their last meeting in 2000
Tiger Results
Mizzou is 8-4-2 opening Big 12 Conference play with a 3-2-1 stanza. After dropping a game to Nebraska (4-0) and tying Colorado (2-2), Missouri went on a brief tear claiming two road victories over Texas Tech (5-1) and Baylor (4-3). Going for their third consecutive conference road victory the Tigers faltered with a 2-0 loss to Oklahoma-their first road loss of the year. In a spirit of redemption Mizzou came back to defeat Oklahoma State at home in a 5-1 contest.
The Tigers' 5-1-1 road record, included a victory over then No. 23 ranked Miami and a tie of then No. 10 ranked Florida State. In addition to their road tally, the Tigers have set the 2002 season apart playing five overtime games, including four double-overtime matches. Two of Missouri's losses this season have come after the regulation buzzer when the Tigers fell to Indiana in double overtime (2-1) and succumbed to Mississippi (2-1) in an overtime period. Mizzou's third loss of the season was a 4-0 defeat at the hands of then No. 16 ranked Nebraska.
Missouri picked up its second tie of the year battling Colorado to a 2-2 mark. It is the first time the Tigers have recorded two ties in a single season, likewise, Mizzou's five overtime games in a season is also an MU program first. * All rankings are based on where a team was ranked prior to its match with MU.
Mizzou in the Rankings
The Tigers are currently ranked in the Soccer Buzz and NSCAA/adidas Central Region. Missouri's 8-4-2 mark berths the Tigers a seventh-place ranking by Soccer Buzz and a ninth-place nod from the NSCAA. Both marks are down from the previous week when Soccer Buzz positioned Missouri fifth and the NSCAA voted MU eighth.
Tigers in the Big 12
Missouri is currently tied for fourth in the Big 12 Conference with a 3-2-1 league record. Texas leads the league with a perfect 5-0 conference record. Texas A&M is second going 4-0-1 and Oklahoma climbs into third with a 4-1-0 mark. The Tigers tied in fourth-place Kansas.
The Tigers are second in the league with 79 saves and rank fourth in shots taken (239) and points scored (87) during 2002. Missouri also ranks fifth averaging 2.13 goals and 1.93 assists per game. During Big 12 Conference play, Missouri has kicked up its momentum averaging 2.67 goals and 2.50 assists per game to rank second in league play in goals and assists. The Tigers are also tied for second in overall points with 47 and are third in shots averaging 18.50 per game.
Defensive Dynamic
The key to Missouri's success this season has relied on the strength of the Mizzou defensive capabilities.
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 look for Sunday 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.
During Big 12 play, the Tiger defensive staff kept the Texas Tech Raiders to just eight shots in the game--the Red Raiders only goal was scored on a penalty kick. Stepping up against Oklahoma State, although the Cowgirls outshot the Tigers, Mizzou's defenders kept OSU to taking just 7-of-15 shots on goal.
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 opening games, including four double-overtime contests and MU's overtime loss to Mississippi. Serving as Mizzou's sweeper, she continues with her characteristic style of always being in the right place and the right time. Her cool confidence and hard-nosed aggression continually frustrates Mizzou's opposition.
Moore showed her offensive mettle against Texas Tech scoring back-to-back goals to put Mizzou on the board. Using her 5-foot-9 height differential to her advantage, Moore knocked down an assist by Adriene Davis to score Missouri's fist goal. She came back just three minutes later to score in a similar fashion, thumping down a cross from Amber Swinehart to score the game-winner. She was honored as a Soccer Buzz Elite Player of the Week (Oct. 7-13).
The defender's recent scoring onslaught reaffirms her selection to the Nike Tiger Invitational All-Tournament Team commending 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 also honored as an all-tournament team selection for the second time in 2002.
The Goods on Gibbs
Joining the defensive ranks, sophomore Ashley Gibbs has filled a starting position for the Tigers in 2002. Playing almost every minute of the season, her speed and intelligent play making has made her an integral element in Missouri's defensive strategy.
Showing her ability against Oklahoma, with just seconds to go in the first period, OU leading scorer Logan Womack barreled toward the Mizzou goal, hindered only by the one-on-one opposition of Gibbs. Womack seemed no match for the Tiger however, as Gibbs used a swift slide stop to strip the ball from Womack and regain possession for Mizzou.
Gibbs helped the Missouri defense thwart the Buckeye's scoring attempts where 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 and help the Tigers to the Ohio State Invitational title. Gibbs was honored as an all-tournament team member for her efforts.
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 began the season come in off the bench to make valuable contributions for the Tigers, but reaffirmed her role on the MU starting line against Mississippi. Playing against Ole Miss, the defender stepped in to rejuvenate Missouri's game and help send the Tigers into overtime play. The feisty player shadowed Mississippi's leading scorer Kelly Renie allowing the forward just one shot on goal during the match.
Based upon her previous efforts, Crossett has maintained her position in the Mizzou starting lineup during conference action. She sported quality defense against No. 16 ranked Nebraska and helped the Tigers hold Colorado to a 2-2 standstill. Crossett was a key factor in the Tigers' 5-1 victory over Texas Tech helping the Tigers keep the Red Raiders to just eight shots in the match.
Crossett was stalwart against Oklahoma. Defending OU's Becky Nelson and Krissy Dawson, the senior kept both players to just three shots in the match.
Hinting on Hibbert
Adding valuable support to the defensive effort, sophomore standard Kim has played 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.
Playing a dual capacity as an offensive threat, Hibbert has made several appearances playing relief on Missouri's midfield and offensive lines.
Considering Krawczyk
Goalkeeper Stephanie Krawczyk has taken the reigns of the Missouri defensive effort stepping in as Mizzou's starting goalkeeper. After recuperating from a broken finger earlier in the season, she has broken into Big 12 Conference play with a 1-1 record.
In her first game of the season, Krawczyk and the Missouri defensive line played a stalwart game against Oklahoma. Opening the match, OU midfielder Lauren MacIver launched a powerful shot, but Krawczyk came through with her first heart stopping save of the year. Although she gave up two goals in the game, including a Sunday shot, the junior made four saves in her outing.
Krawczyk's antagonizing defensive capabilities led to an animated fray in her second game against Oklahoma State. With 33:50 remaining in the second period, a foul was called inside the Tiger penalty box awarding the Cowgirls a direct kick. The goalkeeper successfully defended the one-on-one shot with a diving save. Before she could reposition herself, however OSU took another hit on the Mizzou goal. Defender Lacy Moore pulled through with an impressive block giving Oklahoma State a corner kick opportunity. The heat of the moment reached its peak as both teams packed the box. Mizzou came out with possession however cooling the situation and refocusing the Tigers' attention.
Overall, Krawczyk has made 10 saves in two games. She has allowed three goals in 180 minutes of play to own a 1.50 goals against average.
Forward Force
The Missouri offensive effort continues to develop under the pressure of competition. In 12 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 continue to increase during conference play.
Dishing on Davis
Capturing the headlines, forward Adriene Davis returns as one of Mizzou's go-to players on the offensive line. Ranked second on the team with 15 points on the year, Davis has scored three goals and leads the team with nine assists-she also owns two double-assist games on the season. The forward turned up the heat during Big 12 play against Texas Tech and Baylor. In just two games she dished out three assists and scored the game-tying goal that led Mizzou to defeat the Bears.
Against the Red Raiders, Davis collected a misdirected corner kick with a flick to Lacy Moore enabling the defender to score. She came back just 10 minutes later to assist Missy Peabody score the game's third goal. Satisfied with her leg work in the previous game, it was then Davis' turn to throw the sparks. Receiving a pass from midfielder Kristen Heil, Davis rushed a slid past the Baylor keeper. In the second period, she sent a pass through the BU defensive line to give Missy Peabody a one-on-one opportunity to score.
Davis' scoring ingenuity has been a key factor for Mizzou's season. She ranks third in the Big 12 Conference in season assists. Standing up during league play, Davis is ranked second delivering five assists and is tied for third in points so far in conference play. She is averaging 1.5 points per game, and tops the field averaging 0.83 assists per conference outing. In addition, Davis is currently tied for 16th in the NCAA in assists. Building up the Mizzou record books, Davis' nine assists this season brings her to 26 career assists to rank her second in the all-time career charts. She is just three assists behind Mizzou's current career leader--Nikki Thole who owns 29 career assists.
Peabody Paradigms
Accentuating the forward ranks, Melissa Peabody continues to stun the opposition with her electrifying speed and play making ability. Peabody came out with her second double-scoring game of the year, putting in consecutive goals to help Missouri defeat Oklahoma State.
The game comes on the heels of Peabody's three-goal weekend helping the Tigers defeat both Texas Tech and Baylor. Peabody scored a pair of goals against the Red Raiders, including an unassisted goal and came back to score the game-winner against Baylor on an assist by forward Adriene Davis.
Peabody leads the team with 21 points on the year scoring a team-high eight goals and dishing out five assists. The sophomore also leads the Tigers' offensive thrust taking 74 shots, including 33 shots on goal. She also owns four game-winning goals to tie her single-season GWG mark from last year.
The forward leads the Big 12 Conference in shots taken during the 2002 season averaging 5.29 shots per outing. She is also ranked third in goals and fifth in overall points. Playing six games in league play, Peabody leads the conference with 36 shots. She has scored 11 points during Big 12 play to rank second in the league. In addition, her five conference goals tie her in first-place in league standings.
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 Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Although scoreless in both games, the sophomore earned a starting role and put her aggressive attacking style to good use.
Showing glimpses of her might earlier in the year against both Mississippi State and Mississippi, Swoboda's 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.
The forward is ranked seventh on the team with four overall points from two goals. Adding to her offensive threat, Swoboda is shooting 60 percent on goal. Against Big 12 opponents Texas Tech and Baylor, she supported a perfect shot on goal percentage taking four-of-four shots on goal in two games. She also pulled through taking two-of-three three shots against Oklahoma to the net to bring her season tally to 12-of-20 shots on goal.
Assessing Swinehart
Freshman Amber Swinehart has started her Mizzou career solidly earning a starting position in just her first season. The forward has risen as the Tigers' second leading scorer putting in six goals. She also owns two assists to start her collegiate career ranked third on the team. She also ranks second on the team shooting 70 percent on goal. She has taken 12 of her 17 shots on the year to the net-including perfect games against Texas Tech and Baylor making two-of-two on the weekend.
Swinehart scored her latest goal against Oklahoma State putting the Tigers on the board in just over a minute of play. Mimicking a practice drill, the freshman gracefully scored a goal from a corner kick crossed in by Karen Bauer.
Swinehart added to her season assist tally helping Lacy Moore score the game-winning goal against Texas Tech. The freshman lobbed a cross through to the center of the Red Raider box enabling the defender to head the ball in. She came back against Baylor to score the Tigers third goal in the first period. Swinehart followed Moore's example heading in a cross sent in by Melissa McLellan. Swinehart scored her first goal in Big 12 Conference play tying the Tigers 2-2 against Colorado. Midfielder Suzy Probst slashed a ball through the Buffalo defense giving Swinehart the game-tying shot.
The scoring onslaught has tied Swinehart in ninth-place in the Big 12 Conference in goals. During six games of league play, Swinehart has scored three goals to tie for seventh in the conference.
Noting Nobis
Playing effectual minutes on the Mizzou forward line, freshman Jennifer Nobis leads the newcomers with 32 shots, including 12 shots on goal. She ranks fifth on the team with three goals and one assist for seven points.
Nobis stepped up during Big 12 Conference play to score two goals in a single game against Oklahoma State. The freshman played a skilful shot from a cross from midfielder Karen Bauer and game back to score Mizzou's final goal in the game knocking down a header crossed in by Melissa McLellan.
After unrewardingly throttling the oppositions' goal through the first six games, the forward finally found the net against Mississippi scoring Mizzou's only goal against the Rebels. Positioned inside the box, Nobis collected a well-placed flick from Melissa Peabody for the score. Her first goal was imbursement for 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 McLellan. Although McLellan was unable to get a shot off, her one-touch lift enabled Shea Swoboda to score with a header earning the pair a double-assist.
McLellan Mentions
Forward Melissa McLellan brings indispensable relief support to the Missouri attacking lines. In Big 12 Conference Play, the junior has rejuvenated the Tigers' efforts dishing out two of her three assists on the year. She launched a cross enabling Amber Swinehart to score against Baylor and she lobbed a clean pass that Jennifer Nobis was able to knock down with a header. McLellan is fourth on the team in assists.
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 during Big 12 Conference play.
Breaking Down Bauer
Aiding the Tigers' offensive calculations, sophomore Karen Bauer jumps in as one of Mizzou's most influential setup players. Her ingenuity helps her fulfill a dual role as both an offensive threat and backup support staff. Showing her first signs of offensive might 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.
The midfielder stepped in during Big 12 Conference play to boost the Tigers to a 3-2-1 record. In her latest league performance, Bauer came up with her first double-assist game of the year helping Amber Swinehart and Jennifer Nobis find the net against the Cowgirls. Likewise, Bauer helped the Tigers topple Texas Tech dishing out an assist to help Suzy Probst score against the Red Raiders. She also served as a valuable component in Missouri's ranks in a tough 4-3 battle over Baylor.
Bauer is ranked fourth on the team in overall scoring with eight points from two goals and four assists. She also owns one game-winning goal. Cracking the standings during conference play, Bauer is tied for third in the Big 12 with three assists during league games.
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.
Playing beneficial minutes during the beginning non-conference stanza, Heil has only enhanced during Big 12 play. The sophomore scored the game-tying goal against Baylor on an assist from Adriene Davis to re-even the field 1-1. She turned around just minutes later to turn the tables and assist Davis and push Mizzou to a one-point lead.
The midfielder upped her season tally dishing out the game-winning assist against Oklahoma State. Maneuvering the ball through the OSU defensive ranks, she flicked a quick pass to Melissa Peabody enabling the forward to score on a direct kick near the penalty mark. Heil is ranked sixth on the team with six points from two goals and two assist. She is shooting 53 percent on goal taking nine of her 15 shots to the net. She also owns a game-winning goal.
Exploring Pusch
Midfielder Erica Pusch looks to return to the starting lineup after taking a weekend off while recuperating from an ankle bruise acquired during the Baylor game. After taking time off, she has rejoined practice. Her playing status will be decided at game time.
Prior to her forced sabbatical, Pusch joined the starting lineup as a freshman boosting the Tigers' exhilarating speed and enhancing 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.
During Big 12 Conference play, Pusch has diligently used her charisma to out maneuver some of the nation's best players. Playing a successful swing position complimentary with defender Carrie Crossett, Pusch can advance on the offensive in addition to filling in as a defensive specialist.
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.
Like many of her teammates, Probst has prospered facing the rigors of conference play. The defensive specialist scored her first point of the season dishing an assist to help freshman Amber Swinehart score the game-tying goal against Colorado. She scored her first goal of the season against Texas Tech taking an assist from fellow midfielder Karen Bauer.
Duncan Dynamics
Goalkeeper Megan Duncan bolstered the Tigers through five overtime games to play 1,167 minutes in 12 games. She allowed 19 goals to record a 1.47 goals against average and made 68 saves on the year. Following a hand injury sustained in the Missouri-Baylor game, Duncan has undergone rehabilitative surgery and will be benched for the remainder of the season to recover.
Duncan was honored as the Ohio State Invitational Defensive Most Valuable Player after leading the Tigers to a 2-0 record. In two games, she 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.
