Missouri Falls to Indiana in Double-Overtime Loss

Sept. 1, 2002

Columbia, Mo.-Precision passing looks to be the key to success for the 2002 Mizzou women's soccer program. When fluidly controlling the field, the Missouri Tigers portray a fine tuned machine as they mechanically master their opponents. It is in the brief periods of disorientation however, where defeat seeps through the gaps.

The Tigers opened the 2002 season with consecutive double-overtime games. Missouri was able to pull out a 2-1 victory over No. 23 ranked Illinois on Friday, but couldn't duplicate the feat tonight as it fell to Indiana 2-1.

The Tigers hiccupped to a slow start against the Hoosiers allowing a goal in just the eighth minute of play. IU's Shelly Gruszka scored on a pass from Kristen Zmijewski to put Indiana on the board.

After making several line-up changes Missouri was able to settle into its distinctive fast paced and controlled playing style where it built rhythm and began to dominate the game. The Tigers came back to score a tie on a well executed play performed by two of team's veterans. Midfielder Karen Bauer passed a ball through the defensive line luring the Indiana goalkeeper, Liz Butler, from her post. Forward Adriene Davis took advantage of the keepers' position and chipped a ball past the goal line.

Both teams returned to the field rejuvenated after the intermission. Indiana hit the Tiger goal strong launching nine shots and forcing six saves from Mizzou goalkeeper Megan Duncan. After a listless 45-minute period, where Missouri was unable to find the composure necessary to compel a win during regulation, the Tigers opened up the first overtime period with a frenzied effort. Mizzou outshot Indiana 4-to-1 during the initial sudden-death extension, but were unsuccessful in finding the net. As time ticked off the clock, so did many of Missouri's missed chances that finally resulted in a devastating loss. Indiana sealed its first victory of the year when Ryan Hanley was able to flick a pass that enabled Kara Bryan to bury a goal high in Mizzou's net.

Overall, the game was evenly matched on paper. Indiana only outshot Missouri 21-to-20, with 11-to-10 shots on goal. Both keepers made nine saves in 106 minutes of play, but Duncan was dealt the losing Queen of Hearts and finished the game with a 1-1 record.

Final Nike Tiger Invitational Standings
1) Kentucky
2) Indiana
3) Missouri
4) Illinois

All-Tournament Team Liz Butler - Kentucky
Elizabeth Ramsey - Kentucky
Amber Wilson - Kentucky
Dee Slopsky - Kentucky
Shelly Gruszka - Indiana
Kim Grodek - Indiana
Kara Bryan - Indiana
Lacy Moore - Missouri
Erica Pusch - Missouri
Leisha Alcia - Illinois
Christine Sinak - Illinois

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