Oct. 16, 2004

Box Score

College Station, Texas--Playing their finest game of the 2004 season, the Mizzou Tigers battled the odds to defeat #6 ranked Texas A&M. Claiming its first victory in College Station, Missouri topped the Aggies 2-1. Marking Texas A&M's first Big 12 Conference loss, the win boosts the Tigers to a 6-8-1 season record with a 3-4-0 mark in league play.

The Tigers opened the game strong scoring within the first five minutes of the match. Midfielder Karen Bauer launched a long shot into the Aggie goalbox where it was deflected off the crossbar. Forward Jennifer Nobis was there to follow through for the Tigers slamming in her seventh goal of the season.

Just as Missouri had found its nitch however, the table turned against its favor. Two minutes after the Tiger goal, goalkeeper Laura Buehrig was ejected from the game with a red card violation. Unable to replace a red carded player, Missouri brought in backup keeper Kira Reyes forcing the Tigers to play the remaining 84 minutes with just nine field players.

Despite the setback, Mizzou never missed a step as the Tigers tested the Aggies with continued confidence. Seeing inspirational play across the field, each Missouri player stepped up to help contain Texas A&M's dangerous offense. Seeing tremendous minutes in the backfield, defenders Ashley Gibbs, Lacy Moore, Meggie Malm, Erica Pusch and Lauren Grice each played their part thwarting Aggie scoring attempts.

Even despite Mizzou's best efforts however, the Aggies came back to score late in the first half on a cornerkick. Kat Krambeer crossed a long ball over the Missouri goal where Emily DeWoody headed the ball into the Tiger net. Although outshooting the Tigers 7-to-3 in the half, Mizzou still managed to keep the Aggies to just three shots on goal.

Reemerging in the second half, Missouri maintained its composure out maneuvering the Aggies. Falling back on its signature blue collar work ethic, Mizzou utilized solid defensive play to create offensive opportunities. Playing against one of the finest backfield lines in the nation, the Tigers' determined efforts paid off when Mizzou scored the game-winner midway through the second half.

Earning a throw in deep in the Aggies' defensive third, forward Kristen Heil lofted a ball to Amber Swinehart at the top of the 18-yard box. Outmaneuvering her defensive mark, Swinehart sank a shot deep into the right top corner of the Aggie net.

Dominating the remaining 23 minutes with tight knit defense, Missouri shutdown Aggie passing lanes to cripple the Texas A&M offense. Despite outshooting the Tigers 16-to-5 in the game, Mizzou kept the Aggies to just seven shots on goal. Shining in the Mizzou goalbox, Reyes anchored the Tigers making six saves to earn her first collegiate victory.

Looking to carry the momentum through the remainder of its season, Missouri heads to face the Texas Longhorns on Sun., Oct. 17 at 12:00 p.m. The Tigers return home to play Texas Tech next weekend on Fri., Oct. 22 before rounding out the Big 12 Conference season.