Nov. 14, 2008
Missouri Head Coach Bryan Blitz
On Evansville...
"Evansville is a top notch program. We were able to score a goal early which gave us a huge advantage. "
On the conditions of the game...
"Any time you play in those wild elements. We scored an early goal which is what we've tried to do all season. "
On controlling the ball...
"We wanted to keep it out of the field of three players, Kayla (Lambert), Mia (Tofano) and Colleen (Marty)."
On winning the coin toss...
"We always try and go with the wind at our backs in the first half if we win the coin flip. It helps us to attack first. We don't know if the wind is going to change directions later, so we take our chances at the beginning."
Missouri senior midfielder Mo Redmond
On the conditions of the field...
"There was definitely a change in the elements (between San Antonio, Texas for the Big 12 Championships and Columbia, Mo.). It was a hotter environment (in San Antonio, Texas), and we adjusted well today. We said we would do what we were asked to do no matter what the conditions were.
On the preparation for the game and elements...
"We didn't really practice any differently. We just practiced to come out here and play our game. Everyone plays in the same conditions. We practice how we normally practice for any normal routine. We were given headbands and they (the coaches) made sure we warm."
On Missouri controlling the ball for most of the first half...
"It's so important (to control the ball) and establishes our team. We are a team that likes to press. We only have three defenders in the back. If we don't control the ball it makes it really hard for our defenders. They're constantly getting pressured. The pressure on them is our fault because we didn't pressure Evansville. Our ability to keep the ball is huge for us. We play skillful ball. Everyone thinks we just kicks the ball, but we're a skillful team."
Missouri junior forward Michelle Collins
On the conditions of the field...
"I think everyone realized that they were in the same conditions that we were. It was cold and rainy for them as well."
On the goal...
"They told us pregame to watch the bounce. I don't think it was the wind at all. I just got a solid boot on it and it went in."
On understanding the style of defense that Evansville played...
"It takes a couple of minutes to adjust in the beginning. But, we figured out that they play a dunker defense. Their defense likes to sit back and not really apply pressure until you get real close to the goal. So, that made it easier for us to pass around them."
Evansville Head Coach Krista McKendree
Opening statement...
"I think the first five minutes is what we kind of talked about; trying not to do the Cardinal Rule and give up a goal in the first minutes. I think that was a big factor in their success tonight. We didn't come out ready from the start. And give credit to Missouri, they punished us and put on back in the net. Overall I think our girls battled hard and they never gave up even though they were down two goals. They continued to fight the whole time. I'm very proud of them."
On the wind impacting Missouri's first period...
"The wind is normally a huge factor in the game. I'm not saying its what created their goals, but if definitely gave them momentum. It gives our players some unsureness about how the ball is going to bounce and how far it is going to go. So I definitely think it's a huge advantage. They high pressured very effectively and when they sub you don't notice much drop off."
On Missouri's offensive pressure placed on Evansville's defense...
"I think they've done it (offensive pressure) the most effectively as far as we've seen. The kind of formation that is a 3-4-3, they give it to their backs as much as possible and try to get them to cough the ball up and try to capitalize on that. And I think they do a very good job of that."
Evansville Senior Forward Kayla Lambert
On playing against the wind in the first half...
"I've never really played in the wind, no. The rain, the snow, yes, but not the wind. It was hard for us because we have a lot of speed up top. It's a big disadvantage when the ball is coming straight back down your throat after you kick it. It's a disadvantage to an extent with Mia (Tofano) and I up top. I think definitely, it would have been nice to have the wind at our backs in the first half, especially in the first five minutes. But that's how it goes."
Evansville Senior Forward Mia Tofano
On Evansville's defensive effort...
"Obviously as a forward you want the ball at your feet, especially with the weather conditions, it's already tough enough to get the ball. But, Mizzou had pressure, they were all over us, that's just how it goes sometimes."