Oct. 23, 2002

Up this Week
The Mizzou women's soccer team rounds down the 2002 season with its last three regular season games. The Tigers travel to Texas to take on two top-10 opponents in the No. 6 ranked Texas A&M Aggies and the No. 3 ranked Texas Longhorns. Mizzou is scheduled to play TA&M on Fri., Oct. 25 at 7:00 p.m., in College Station, Texas. The Tigers then travel to Austin, to play the Longhorns on Sun., Oct. 27 at 1:00 p.m.

Missouri finishes up the regular season hosting KU at Audrey J. Walton Stadium in a Border War game 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.

The Missouri-Texas game will be aired live from the Texas website. Interested fans can check out live statistics and listen to the radio broadcast by logging onto www.texassports.com.

Scouting No. 6 Ranked Texas A&M
The Aggies top the nation appearing in the top of the Soccer Buzz, Soccer America, Soccer Times and NSCAA/adidas polls. Texas A&M's highest national ranking is a sixth-place nod from the NSCAA after toting an impressive 12-3-1 record. TA&M's three losses on the year have all come at the hands of top-20 opponents, including 1-0 losses to No. 1 ranked Stanford and No. 11 ranked California. The Aggies also battled No. 2 ranked North Carolina to a 4-1 loss.

Texas A&M boasts an impressive 6-0-1 Big 12 Conference record to rank second in league standings. The Aggies only tie of the year was a 1-1 standstill with Baylor.

Last season, Texas A&M finished with a 17-4-1 record going 8-1-1 to finish second in the Big 12. The Aggies also received a seventh-place final ranking from the NSCAA. Texas A&M owns the MU-TA&M series 5-1, including the last four meetings. The Tigers' only victory against the Aggies was a 1-0 win in 1997.

Scouting No. 3 Ranked Texas
Texas tops the nation ranked third across all four-college soccer polls. Owning a 12-2-1 record, including a 7-0-0 Big 12 Conference mark. Texas owns victories over No. 11 ranked California (2-1), No. 16 Nebraska (4-0), and a 1-1 tie against No. 15 Washington.

Last year, Texas rounded out the season with a 14-6-0 record going 9-1-0 in Big 12 play to claim the conference title. The Tigers battled the Longhorns through quadruple-overtimes before falling 1-0 in the Big 12 Tournament second round last season. It was Mizzou's second loss to Texas on the year boosting the Longhorns to lead the MU-UT series 5-2-1. Missouri's last victory over Texas was a 3-1 win in 1998.

Tiger Results
Mizzou is 10-4-2 heading into its final three games of Big 12 Conference play with a 4-2-1 stanza. The Tigers enter the weekend on a three-game winning streak defeating two conference and one non-conference opponent. Mizzou trampled Oklahoma State and Loyola in 5-1 victories and earned its third shutout of the year against Iowa State. Missouri's two conference losses have come at the hands of then No. 16 ranked Nebraska (4-0) and Oklahoma (2-0). The Tigers also tied Colorado 1-1.

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 10-4-2 mark berths the Tigers a seventh-place ranking by Soccer Buzz and an eighth-place nod from the NSCAA. The marks are similar to last week when Mizzou was ranked seventh by Soccer Buzz and ninth by the NSCAA.

Tigers in the Big 12
Missouri is currently tied for third in the Big 12 with a 4-2-1 with Kansas and Nebraska. Texas leads the pack with a perfect 7-0-0 record and Texas A&M sits in second-place owning a 6-0-1 mark. Oklahoma is ranked fourth with a 4-3-0 tally. In the stats column, the Tigers rank third in the Big 12 in goals averaging 2.38 per game. Mizzou is also fourth in the league averaging 17.19 shots, 6.94 points and 2.19 assists per outing. The MU goalkeeping staff is ranked second making 89 season saves to average 5.56 saves per game.

During Big 12 Conference play, Missouri has averaged 18.86 shots, 7.86 points and 2.71 goals per game to rank third in the league. Mizzou also comes in fourth averaging 2.43 assists during conference play.

Defensive Dynamic
The key to Missouri's success this season has relied on the strength of the Mizzou defensive capabilities.

In it's most recent performances, the Tiger defensive staff has kept four of its last six opponents to fewer than 10 shots in a game. Mizzou kept the Texas Tech Raiders to just eight shots with their only goal 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. In their last stanza, the Tigers frustrated both Iowa State and Loyola keeping both teams to just nine shots.

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. Her speed and intelligent play making has made her an integral element in Missouri's defensive strategy. Falling victim to a quad injury, Gibbs was sidelined during the Iowa State and Loyola matches but looks to reenter the lineup this weekend in Texas.

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 Hibbert 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. She has played an integral role during Gibbs absence.

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 3-1 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 picked up her first shutout victory of the year making six saves to best Iowa State 3-0. She then came back to make four saves and help the Tigers to a 5-1 win over Loyola. Overall, Krawczyk has made 20 saves in four games. She has allowed three goals in 360 minutes of play to own a 1.00 goals against average. She ties for 10th in the Big 12 in season shutouts averaging .25 per game. Her .33 average during Big 12 play ranks her fifth in the league.

Forward Force
The Missouri offensive effort continues to develop under the pressure of competition. In 16 games, the Tigers have recorded three 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 21 points on the year, Davis has scored six goals and leads the team with nine assists-she also owns two double-assist games on the season.

During the Tigers last two-game series, Davis came up big scoring three goals to help Mizzou collect two victories. She scored Missouri's final goal in the Tigers' 3-0 shutout against Iowa State. She came back to throttle Loyola with a pair of goals in Missouri's third 5-1 victory of the season.

Davis' scoring ingenuity has been a key factor for Mizzou's season. She ranks third in the Big 12 Conference in season assists. She is averaging 1.31 points per game to rank sixth in the league overall. Standing up during league play, Davis is tied for second delivering five assists to average 0.71 assists per game per conference outing. She also averages 1.57 points per game to rank fifth. In addition, Davis is currently tied for 27th 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 preceded her latest scoring onslaught dishing out three assists and a goal to help the Tigers top Iowa State and Loyola. Peabody dished the game-winner to help Jennifer Nobis topple the Cyclones and helped Adriene Davis score her pair of goals against Loyola. The sophomore summed up the weekend scoring the Tigers' final goal against the Ramblers on an assist from freshman Amber Swinehart.

Peabody leads the team with 26 points on the year scoring a team-high nine goals. She is also second on the team with eight assists. The sophomore leads the Tigers' offensive thrust taking 84 shots, including 38 shots on goal. Peabody is just 10 shots away from claiming Mizzou's season shot record currently owned by Nikki Thole with 93. The forward also looks to break her own single-season game-winning goal record this season. She is already tied with her previous mark owning four game-winning goals in 2002.

The forward leads the Big 12 Conference in shots taken averaging 5.25 shots per outing. She is also ranked second in points, is third in goals and ties for fourth in assists. Playing eight games in league play, Peabody leads the conference with 42 shots. She has scored 12 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 specialist Shea Swoboda has provided rejuvenated efforts for the Tigers through out the beginning season. 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 in the Missouri lineup to put her aggressive attacking style to good use.

Her efforts paid off in the Tigers' last match against Loyola. Swoboda dished an assist and scored her third goal of the year on her way to helping Missouri to a 5-1 victory. She knocked down a header positioning Jennifer Nobis's game-winning goal at the tail end of the first half. The freshman came back helping Swoboda score with just 21 seconds remaining in the period.

The forward is ranked sixth on the team with seven overall points from three goals and one assist. Adding to her offensive threat, Swoboda is shooting 62 percent on goal. In her last four games, she has supported a perfect shot on goal percentage taking five-of-five shots to the net.

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 one of the Tigers' leading scorers this season putting in six goals, three assists and 15 points. She is tied for third on the team with fellow freshman Jennifer Nobis. She also ranks third on the team shooting 60 percent on goal. She has taken 15 of her 25 shots on the year to the net-including perfect games against Texas Tech and Baylor making two-of-two.

The freshman added to her season assist tally helping help Missy Peabody score in Missouri's 5-1 blaze against Loyola.

The feat came on the heels of a goal scored against Oklahoma State and assisting Lacy Moore score the game-winning goal against Texas Tech.

Noting Nobis
Freshman Jennifer Nobis rightfully earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors for the week of Oct. 21-27. Going on a three game tear scoring five goals and an assist, including consecutive double-goal games, she jumps into third-place in the Tiger scoring column. Nobis owns six goals, three assists and 15 points on the year.

Nobis stepped up during Big 12 Conference play to score two goals in a single game against Oklahoma State and came back to reproduce the feat against Iowa State. The freshman scored the game-winner on an assist by Missy Peabody and solidified the Tigers' 3-0 victory scoring unassisted just six minutes later. Nobis dribbled through the Cyclone defense to shoot just inside the penalty box unencumbered.

Rolling in against the Ramblers, Nobis once again scored the game-winner, this time from an assist by Shea Swoboda. She then came back to help Swoboda score the Tigers' third goal flicking a pass to Swoboda.

The weekend boosts Nobis into Big 12 Conference standings tied for 10th with 23 shots during league play to average 3.29 shots per game. She is also tied for 10th with nine points. After eight conference games, she is also tied for fifth in overall goals.

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 4-2-1 record. In her most impressive league performance against Oklahoma State, 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 fifth 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 seventh 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 seventh 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 making a come-back from an ankle bruise acquired during the Baylor game. After taking time off, she rejoined the Tiger lineup as a relief player against Iowa State and Loyola.

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.