April 11, 2006
The Missouri women's soccer team struck first against Marquette and managed to hold on for a 3-1 win on a brisk and windy Saturday afternoon at the SportPort Soccer Complex in Maryland Heights, Mo.
From the opening whistle Missouri controlled the game and continued to pressure the Golden Eagle defense. In the 36th minute the Tigers were able to break through the defense and fire a shot that was deflected out of bounds for a corner kick. On the ensuing corner, Aria Hudetz lofted the corner to the head of Elyse Nikonchuk who slammed the ball into the net putting Missouri up 1-0.
Not wanting to give up, Marquette came back and challenged the Missouri defense. In the 37th minute Meghan Connely took a pass at the corner of the goal box and lofted a shot that sailed over the outstretched arms of goalie Mallory Forst and dropped into the corner of the goal tying the game at 1-1.
Starting the second half with the 1-1 draw, the Tigers continued physical play and dominated the Golden Eagles in all facets of the game.
Eight minutes into the second half, Ashley Hamblin broke free of her defender and ripped a shot from the right corner that snuck past the hands of a diving Golden Eagle goalie.
Marquette never let the Tiger defense have a break as they continued to work for open shots. The Golden Eagles finally got their chance when one of their forwards snuck through the Missouri defense and had a one-on-one shot with Tiger goalie Mallory Forst, but Forst came up the save and helped the Tigers preserve the win. Forst ended the day with two saves.
The Tigers continued to possess the ball for the remainder of the second half and put constant pressure on the Marquette goalie. In the 72nd minute Jennie Nobis and Amber Swinehart connected to put Missouri up 3-1. Nobis sent a perfect pass to Swinehart that slid behind the Marquette defender and Swinehart was able to send the ball to the far post for the goal.
Mizzou continues its spring season with a matchup against the Canadian National Team on Tuesday, April 11 at 7 p.m. at Walton Stadium. Admission for the game is free.