April 13, 2005

The Mizzou Tigers improved to 2-0 this spring with a last minute 1-0 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes. After nearly 90 minutes of scoreless play, junior Jennifer Nobis flicked a free kick from sophomore Elyse Nikonchuk over Buckeye goalkeeper Shannon Neely to upset the 2004 NCAA Elite eight finalist.

Proving drastically different from its first game of the season, where Mizzou romped Oral Roberts 6-1, the Tigers showed toughness on defense shutting out a high-powered Ohio State offense that returned its top four scorers including the 2004 Soccer Buzz and Soccer America National Freshman of the Year Lara Dickenmann.

The starting back line of freshman Mallory Ames, sophomores Lauren Grice and Meggie Malm and junior captain Erica Pusch combined with freshman goalkeeper Laura Buehrig to slow the Buckeye's attack with an inspirational and organized effort. Just 15 minutes before Nobis' goal, Buehrig kept the score level with a diving save to her left, giving the Tigers the opportunity to get the win.

Coach Bryan Blitz said the victory showed growth, adding that in previous years the decision would have gone the other way.

"We had a great week of training and we are very pleased with the 90-minute effort and focus our entire team put in today," he said. "Ohio State is a very good team that can wear you down with their physical and athletic play, but our girls showed a lot of grit and determination to finish out the game."

Starting the spring season with two team-oriented victories, the Tigers look to improve to 3-0 when they meet the Illinois Fighting Illini on Sat., April 16 in St. Louis. Coach Blitz says he hopes the confidence gained in the victories will carry over into the remainder of the season.

"This result should give our group a boost in confidence," Blitz said. "We hope to carry this attitude and mentality into our next contest."