April 24, 2006
LIBERTY, Mo. - The Missouri women's soccer team controlled from the opening kick and outshot Missouri State 22-9 to pick up a 1-1 tie against the Bears at Liberty Middle School in Liberty, Mo., on Friday, April 21. Mizzou continued its tradition of trying out new strategies in spring games as the squad changed from their typical formation. The Tigers played the game in with three backs and five midfielders, a change from their usual four back and four midfielders.
From the opening whistle, Missouri gained control of the game and pressured the Bear defense. Just four minutes into the contest, Elyse Nikonchuk unleashed a blast from 25 yards out that just sailed over the crossbar. Nikonchuk almost put the Tigers on the board three more times in the first half but two of her shots were blocked by the defense and the Missouri State goalie made a save on the other shot. The game remained scoreless after 45 minutes despite an 11-4 Missouri shot advantage.
The Tigers finally got on the scoreboard in the 60th minute with great passing and a timely run. Aria Hudetz collected a pass from Ashley Hamblin on the right sideline and relayed the ball in the box. After streaking down the left sideline, Meg Malm entered the box at the same time as Hudetz's pass, dribbled around a defender and put the ball in the back of the net from eight yards out for a 1-0 Mizzou lead.
After a few missed opportunities for Missouri, the Bears managed to even the score on a counter attack in the 74th minute. Missouri State's Chelsea Anderson gathered a loose ball near half field and looked to have a clear path to goal. Anderson's shot from the left post bounced off the far post after Tiger goalie Mallory Forst managed to get her fingers on the ball but Caroline Rooker picked up the rebound and easily tapped the ball into the net to tie the score a 1-1.
Mizzou continued to pressure the Missouri State defense in the final 16 minutes, including outshooting the Bears 5-1 in that time span. With eight minutes left in the game, Nikonchuk corralled Hamblin's corner kick and blasted a shot on goal that the Missouri State defense blocked.
Forst made four saves in goal for the Tigers.
Missouri closes out their spring schedule with a contest against the U-16 Boys Club Team at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 27 at Walton Stadium. On Saturday, April 29 at 12 p.m., the Tigers will host the annual Alumni Event, where current and former Tigers will compete in seven-v-seven games at Walton Stadium.