Sept. 10, 2004

Columbia, Mo.--Despite out shooting #23 Stanford 15-to-11, including a 5-to-2 shot on goal ration, the Mizzou Tigers dropped their third game of the season in a 1-0 heartbreaker.

The Tigers opened the game strong countering the Cardinal national ranking with ease. Well developed passing lanes enabled the Tigers to skillfully antagonize Stanford goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart. Forwards Jennifer Nobis, Kristen Heil and Amber Swinehart utilized intelligent playmaking and speed to create several daring attempts. Despite their efforts however, the Tigers were unable to find the net.

Taking three-of-six first half shots to goal, the Tigers seemed to be battling luck as well as the talents of Barnhart. Similar to Mizzou's match against Iowa last week, where the Tigers pounded the Hawkeye goal only to see unlucky shanks, hit posts and cross bar deflections, Mizzou saw comparable problems against the Cardinal.

While Missouri was unable to overcome the dark cloud, Stanford saw a silver lining when Leah Tapscott scored the game's only goal late in the first half. In a flurry of activity inside the Mizzou goalbox, Tiger goalkeeper Laura Buehrig emerged to punch out an incoming cross. Buehrig knocked the ball to the top of the Mizzou box, where Tapscott redirected the ball back into the net.

Despite facing a 1-0 deficit throughout the remainder of the game, Missouri maintained its blue collar standard fighting through the final 45 minutes. The Mizzou defensive line of Ashley Gibbs, Erica Pusch, Lacy Moore and Lauren Grice dominated the Cardinal offense keeping Stanford to just one shot on goal during the second half. Mizzou's efforts came up short however as the Tigers again saw several attainable scoring options, but came just shy of capitalizing.

Keeping with a rigorous schedule, Missouri welcomes #9 Florida to Audrey J. Walton Stadium on Sun., Sept. 12. The Tigers and Gators face off at 12:00 p.m.