Oct. 27, 2002
Box Score
Austin, Texas-The Mizzou women's soccer team refuted the clich? that, "time heals all wounds," as they faced No. 3 ranked Texas. The sting of the Tigers' quadruple-overtime defeat by the Longhorns last season during the Big 12 Tournament seemed to fuel Mizzou to one of its strongest defensive matches of the season.
Reliving their previous match up, the Tigers played their second consecutive overtime game against the Longhorns. Consequently the match re-establishes the Missouri overtime record once again during 2002 as Mizzou played its sixth overtime match of the year.
Instead of carrying Texas to four overtime periods with its impressive defensive thrust, the Tigers fell to the Longhorns 2-1 following five minutes of extended play. The loss brings Missouri to 10-6-2 on the year, with a 4-4-1 Big 12 Conference mark.
Coming on the heels of their devastating 5-3 loss to No. 6 ranked Texas A&M, the Tigers' entered the game looking to reassert their abilities against ranked opponents. The Tigers came out strong against the Longhorns showing both offensive prowess and defensive strife. A fluid combination of protection and attacking maneuvers mingled to help Mizzou counter Texas. The Longhorns managed 10 shots during the first period, but were left scoreless due to a strong showing from the Missouri defensive line and goalkeeper Stephanie Krawczyk.
Missouri proved to be a lethal force attacking the Texas goal as well. Exploiting the Longhorns' zone defensive system, Mizzou created several chances with breakaways through the UT ranks. The Tigers opened the game forcing a save from Texas keeper Alex Gagarin. Midfielder Kristen Heil set up a precise slot behind the Longhorn defense allowing forward Melissa Peabody to slip through and take a dangerous shot.
Aiding the Missouri attacking force, the Tigers altered their regular formation to counter the speed and technicality of Texas. Sophomore Lacy Moore pulled back to play the role of sweeper allowing starters Carrie Crossett, Kim Hibbert and Ashley Gibbs to mark UT's three forwards. Gibbs rejoined the Tiger starting line after playing limited minutes against Texas A&M. The defender was sidelined with a muscle injury for two previous games. The method proved to valuable against the Longhorns, as the Tigers were able to defend six cornerkicks and deflect six shots from scoring range during the first period.
Texas nipped the Tigers opening the second period. Setting up a dynamic play, the Longhorns scored their only goal in regulation with precision. Sending a ball from the midfield through to the forward ranks, Kati McBain slotted a pass to Kelly Wilson just behind the MU defensive squad enabling Wilson to take a one-on-on shot on the Mizzou goal.
Despite facing a one-point deficit, Missouri continued its stubborn assault toward the Texas goal box. Peabody once again startled Gagarin with a fast breakaway shot. Although the goalkeeper was once again able to slide down and hamper her attempt, her heroics did nothing impede Mizzou's challenge.
Helping to keep the momentum flowing, Heil and Shea Swoboda rallied the Tigers' efforts pressuring the UT goal and forcing Gagarin to make a diving attempt to stop a well placed cross. Their continued efforts finally paid off when the Tigers found the net. Taking a free kick five-yards outside the Longhorn penalty area, Lacy Moore volleyed a high ball to the center of the box. Five-foot-three forward Adriene Davis leaped up for a header and slammed the ball into the lower right corner of the Longhorn goal to tie the game 1-1.
Missouri's aggressive playing style intensified as the Tigers sought a game-winning tiebreaker. Their uncompromising force resulted in several dangerous situations for the Mizzou defense however, including multiple free kicks just outside the MU penalty area. Facing the harried situation, the Mizzou defensive staff was successfully able to deter the Longhorns attempts.
Seasoned in overtime play, Missouri jumped into the sudden-victory period with a skilful attempt. On their first possession, Peabody moved the ball through the UT defensive lines where freshman Amber Swinehart crossed a high pass through to Jennifer Nobis. The forward was able to get a head on the ball, but sent the shot high.
Despite their dominance during the overtime period however, the Tigers once again dropped an overtime match to the Longhorns. Building a powerful play, Kylee Wosnuk crossed a high pass to Wilson who was able to head the ball past Krawczyk to score the game-winner.
Always a heated match, the Longhorns and Tigers amassed a combined 33 fouls including four yellow cards, with a pair going to each team. Despite dangerous situations created by free kicks, the Missouri defensive staff was able to keep Texas to just eight of its 23 shot attempts from going to goal. In addition, Missouri successfully defended an astonishing 15 Texas cornerkicks during the game. Overall, Krawczyk made six saves in and allowed two goals.
The Tigers play their final game of the 2002 regular season on Fri., Nov. 1 when Missouri hosts the Kansas Jayhawks in Columbia, Mo. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m., in Audrey J. Walton Soccer Complex.
