Oct. 26, 2003
Box Score
Lubbock, Texas - Following the cardinal rule of Big 12 women's soccer, the Mizzou Tigers refuse to take any opponent lightly. Despite its 11th-place seat in league standings, Texas Tech had already proven its ability defeating Kansas earlier in the year. Never underestimating the power of the Big 12, the Tigers fell in the match 3-1.
Playing a solid first half, Missouri pressured the Red Raiders for the first 45 minutes, but were unable to put in a goal until late in the period. After several close plays, including eight saves by goalkeeper Beth Lippert, Shea Swoboda came up to aid Mizzou scoring the first goal of the game. Forward Adriene Davis lofted a pass up to the Texas Tech defensive line where the ball deflected off of stopper Tiana Boyea. Swoboda swept the ball up and took it for a break-away goal to give Missouri a 1-0 halftime lead.
Opening the second period, Texas Tech kept the tradition of the MU-TT rivalry through another season. In the series' seven-year history, neither program has won with a shutout victory. Halting Mizzou's chance for a perfect game, the Raiders scored just ten minutes into the half to tie the game 1-1. Midfielder Meghan Blume sent a pass to the outside corner of the box where Karen Stephens powered a shot past Megan Duncan.
Despite various scoring attempts by Mizzou, including a tremendous play by midfielder Ashley Gibbs on a Missouri corner kick, the Tigers struggled to find the net. On the other side of the game, the Raiders used the encouragement of their goal to build their momentum and push past the Tigers. Stephens sent a cross over the Missouri goal box where Jennifer Vasquez knocked down a header to put Texas Tech on top with a 2-1 lead.
Fighting to come back, Mizzou's frenzied efforts resulted in a final goal for the Raiders. Pressuring the Texas Tech goal box, Mizzou's lineup overloaded the offensive side of the field. Boyea launched a ball over the group into the MU defensive ranks where forward Kim Lauren was able to score unassisted on a break away.
The loss takes Missouri to 8-9-1 on the season with a 2-6-1 mark in the Big 12 Conference. The team plays its final regular season match next Friday, Oct. 31 when Mizzou faces Iowa State in Ames at 2:00 p.m.
