Aug. 30, 2002

Box Score

Columbia, Mo.-Instead of safely wading into a shallow beginning this season, the Mizzou women's soccer program plunged deep into some of the nation's toughest competition taking on No. 23 ranked Illinois in its season opener. The Illini's endorsement in the rankings did nothing to intimidate the Tiger effort however as Missouri claimed its first victory of the 2002 season with a 2-1 double-overtime victory.

Freshman defender Erica Pusch scored her first collegiate goal and earned Mizzou its first victory in 2002.

The two teams played to a deadlocked 0-0 score during the initial 45 minutes of play. Both teams played a controlled first half testing its opponents' strengths. Missouri outshot the Illini 5-3 in the period with three shots on goal, but were unsuccessful. Forwards Missy Peabody and Adriene Davis barreled consecutive rockets at Illinois goalkeeper Leisha Alcia, but were thwarted by Alcia's quick reflex for back-to-back saves.

Rejuvenated in the second period, the two teams came on strong. With just 11 minutes into the second half, the Illini cracked the scoreboard slipping a header past Mizzou keeper Megan Duncan. Illinois' Paula Faherty launched a cross high through the box where Tara Hurless was able to bump the across the goal line. The shock of the deficit didn't stagnate Mizzou's play however as the Tigers came back just three minutes later to tie the game. Davis sent a corner kick into the Illini goalbox where sophomore Karen Bauer attempted a header that was rebounded out to the right corner of the box. Freshman Amber Swinehart took advantage of the loose ball with a header of her own to score Mizzou's first goal of the 2002 season, and her first collegiate points.

Fellow freshman Amber Swinehart likewise scored her first collegiate goal against the Illini.

The intensity of the game continued to climax through a full 90 minutes of regulation time and 17 minutes of sudden-death overtime play. Despite Illinois and Missouri recording just 15 and 16 fouls respectively, the rugged match resulted in two UI yellow cards and the ejection of an Illini player. Whether fatigue, aggression or the loss of a player was to blame, the Tigers savored their first taste of victory scoring the game-winning goal with just over three minutes remaining in overtime play.

After a fierce 116 minutes where Mizzou outshot Illinois 22-11, including 10 shots on goal, Missouri's relentless pursuit profited. Peabody took the ball on a fast break through the Illini defensive line and collided with the goalkeeper after releasing a shot on goal. The ball ricocheted off the far post where defender Erica Pusch burst in to score the game-winner.

Leading the offense for Mizzou, Davis recorded three shots, including two on goal and dished out her first assist on the year. Peabody had four shots, also logging two on goal with an assist. Freshman Jennifer Nobis showed some offensive prowess in her first game also taking two of four shots on goal. Duncan earns her first victory on the year playing 116 minutes allowing just one goal and making three saves.

The Tigers round out their two-game appearance in the Nike Tiger Invitational on Sun., Sept. 1 when they take on Indiana at 7:00 p.m., at Audrey J. Walton Stadium.