Sept. 12, 2004
Columbia, Mo.--Proving they can contend with the nation's finest programs, the Mizzou Tigers battled the #9 ranked Florida Gators to a 2-2 deadlock. Taking on their second consecutive ranked program, the tie brings the Tigers to a 2-3-1 record.
Mizzou gave Tiger fans a performance to be proud of overcoming a 1-0 deficit in the first half to tie the match 1-1. Florida put itself on the board first scoring in just under four minutes of play. Gator Stephanie Freeman worked a ball through the midfield slicing a pass up to fellow forward Christine Johnson. Working a quick diversion, Johnson stepped over the pass allowing Freeman to continue her run to the top of the box where she took the scoring shot from around 18-yards out.
Undaunted by Florida's lead however, the Tigers continued to press the Gators. Seeing strong play from all areas of the field, Mizzou battled back with well executed plays and solid defense. The Tigers' persistence paid off late in the half when freshman Jena Lind scored unassisted to tie the match.
Luring Florida goalkeeper Brittni Goodwin from the box, Lind challenged the Gator one-on-one. Both players struck a kick simultaneously sending the ball skyward. Before Florida could react, the ball struck the ground inside the Gator goalbox and bounced into the goal.
Returning to the second half, Mizzou wasted no time picking up where they left off. The Tigers emerged with intensity to score a second goal just eight minutes into the period. Battling for the ball inside the Florida goalbox, the ball was deflected off a Gator defender where Jennifer Nobis chipped the ball over Goodwin's head to score. The goal marks the fifth Nobis has scored in six games, including a four-game scoring streak
Riding on a 2-1 lead, Missouri continued to test Florida's limits. Despite a harrowing effort however, the Gators came back to tie the game 15 minutes later. Earning a cornerkick, Ashley Kellgren slated a pass to KeLeigh Hudson outside the Mizzou goalbox where she ripped a shot. The Tiger defensive line was there to block the shot, before MU keeper Laura Buehrig could secure the ball however, Gator Christine Johnson tapped the ball over the goal line to tie the score 2-2.
Despite tremendous play on both sides of the field, the teams battled to a 2-2 standstill. Sending the game into two overtime periods, neither team was able to dominate. Missouri recorded 13 shots in the game, including six shots on goal. Florida made 17 attempts while Buehrig made eight saves to thwart the Gators.
Missouri returns to action on Fri., Sept. 17 at 1:30 p.m., when the Tigers play Kentucky in Lexington. Mizzou returns home to Audrey J. Walton Stadium on Sun., Sept. 19 when the Tigers host Loyola-Chicago at 1:00 p.m.
