Sept. 21, 2003

Box Score

Gainsville, Fla.-The Missouri Tigers were plagued once again this season by the Southeastern Conference. Mizzou lost its third game to an SEC school in its 4-0 loss to No. 5 ranked Florida.

Battling through intermittent rain, Missouri was forced to focus on defense at the expense of its offense in order to contain the Gators. During the first period, Missouri was only able to take two shots, while Florida took 18 attempts against Mizzou, including 10 shots on goal.

Goalkeeper Stephanie Krawczyk had her hands full making seven saves in the first 45 minutes. Helping her in the box, both Erica Pusch and Ashley Gibbs came through defensively making team saves as well. Despite their efforts however, Florida scored two goals in the opening stanza.

Midfielder Dena Floyd lofted a well-placed ball over the Mizzou defensive line where forward Cherry Pickman scored the Gators' first goal on a header. Stephanie Freeman scored Florida's second goal on a cornerkick that was bounced around inside the Tiger goalbox. Defender Candice Rivers passed to the outside where Freeman scored.

Missouri opened the second half playing more of its distinguishing controlled style. Settling the Gators, the Tigers were able to slow down the pace of the game and counter many of Florida's continued offensive attempts.

Forwards Adriene Davis and Jennifer Nobis were finally able to setup some plays. But before they could capitalize, the Gators put in their third goal of the game to halt Mizzou's rally. Floyd launched a powerful ball from about 25-yards out. The deep shot solidly throttled through the net to take Florida to a 3-0 lead.

Just minutes later, the Gators again exploited Missouri's frustration putting in their fourth goal. Defender Monica Hoyles crossed a pass over the Mizzou box where Christine Johnston waited to knock down a scoring header.

With just over 10 minutes left in the game, Megan Duncan replaced Krawczyk in the Missouri goalbox. The change wasn't enough to counter the Tigers' deficit however, as Mizzou took its third loss of the season and a 5-3 record overall.