Aug. 25, 2006

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COLUMBIA, Mo. - Kicking off the 2006 season in great fashion, the Missouri women's soccer team used three points by sophomore Ashley Hamblin to notch a 2-0 win over Iowa in the second game of Mizzou's Tiger Invitational at Walton Stadium on Friday night.

The Tigers controlled the entire match with their deft ball movement and physical play. The squad outshot the Hawkeyes 17-10 and had seven corner kicks to Iowa's four.

"I'm definitely happy with the way we played out there today," said Missouri Head Coach Bryan Blitz. "We did some great things offensively and our defense was great too. This was a great way to start the season."

"The difference between last year's team and this year's team is that last year we had a few special players and we were in trouble if they were hurt. This year we're a much more balanced and deep team, and that showed out there."

Mizzou's offensive mindset struck early, as the squad was awarded a penalty kick in the 11th minute after Hamblin was brought down in the box. The sophomore coolly stepped to the penalty spot and put the ball to the Iowa goalkeeper's left and into the net for a quick 1-0 Tiger lead.

The Tigers failed to add to their lead in the first half despite a number of good scoring opportunities. The defense's play was just as impressive in the first 45 minutes, including a sliding block on an otherwise certain goal by sophomore Lindsay McCoy in the fifth minute.

Missouri kept the pressure on Iowa in the second half and added an insurance goal in the 58th minute. Hamblin raced down the left sideline and sent a perfect cross to freshman Kristin Andrighetto in the box. Andrighetto one-timed the ball over the Hawkeye keeper's hands for her first collegiate goal and a 2-0 Tiger advantage.

The Hawkeye offense finally came alive in the in the game's final 20 minutes. After Iowa's Stephanie Hyink eluded goalie Forst in the box in the 76th minute, the Hawkeye looked to have a clear path at goal. She ripped an eight-yard shot but freshman defender Crystal Wagner dove and headed the ball away to preserve Missouri's shutout.

"This freshmen class has a great work ethic and are blessed with speed," said Blitz. "I'd like to take credit but you can't teach speed."

"We played really well today," said Hamblin. "I play wherever the coaches want me to play. I played defender last year but they needed forwards this year, so that's where I am."

In her first collegiate start, sophomore goalkeeper Mallory first recorded her first career shutout and also recorded two saves on the night.

In the Invitational's first game, No. 13 Illinois pulled out a tough 1-0 win over South Carolina. The Fighting Illini's Ella Masar collected a pass from Emily Prickard in the 84th minute to record the game-winner.

The Tiger Invitational continues Sunday, Aug. 27 at 11 a.m. with a matchup between Iowa and South Carolina. Missouri will take the field against Illinois in the day's second game at 1:30 p.m.