Sept. 28, 2008

Box Score

LINCOLN, Neb. - The University of Missouri women's soccer team lost 3-2 in double-overtime at Nebraska on Sunday in a hard fought conference match-up. The Tigers (6-3-0, 1-1-0 Big 12) twice took the lead from goals by freshman midfielder Mallory Stipetich and sophomore striker Alysha Bonnick but Nebraska (6-4-1, 2-0-0 Big 12) equalized both times before winning the game in the 107th minute.

With the clock winding down in regulation, Husker Anna Caniglia capitalized on a free kick to tie the game in the 89th minute. Carly Peetz flicked Selenia Iacchelli's service off the backpost to a waiting Canigilia, whose shot went off the underside of the crossbar and straight down, barely crossing the goal line, to send the game into overtime.

After a defensive first overtime period in which neither team registered a shot on goal, the offenses came to life in the second overtime. Missouri nearly ended it in the 105th minute when senior forward Ashley Hamblin's pass made it through the box to sophomore midfielder Krista Kruse, open at the backpost. Husker goalie Brittany Pfeil stood her ground and Kruse's low shot was saved by the keeper.

Two minutes later a Nebraska counterattack led to the golden goal in the 107th minute. Powell's run down the right side caused junior goalkeeper Tasha Dittamore to commit, allowing Powell to slide the ball across to senior midfielder Sari Raber, who tapped it in for the match winner.

Dittamore was credited with five saves in the game.

The loss snaps Missouri's five match winning streak, while extending Nebraska's unbeaten streak to seven.

Both teams capitalized on set pieces to get their sides on the board in the first half. Mizzou took the lead in the 32nd minute on senior Kat Tarr's free kick from the right flank. Sophomore Kari Adam challenged Pfeil and the ball popped high into the air off the collision, allowing Stipetich to safely head the ball home into the empty net for her second goal of the season.

Nebraska equalized five minutes later on a free kick from just inside midfield by Iacchelli. Dittamore came off her line but was beaten to the ball by Peetz, who redirected the service to tie the game at 1-1.

After the break, Nebraska's attack asserted itself early, repeatedly testing Dittamore and the Missouri defense. Less than two minutes into the second half, Dittamore made a reaction foot save on a shot by Huskers' junior forward Shay Powell from point blank range. Dittamore was called to action again in the 62nd minute as sophomore striker Michaella Fulmer was in alone on goal. Dittamore thwarted the opportunity with a diving save on the shot from 12 yards out.

Bonnick's team-best fourth goal of the season momentarily regained the lead for Missouri in the 79th minute. With the ball loose in the box, Bonnick was in the right place at the right time to slot a low shot past Pfeil.

The Tigers return to action Friday, Oct. 3 at home against the Colorado Buffaloes for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff at Walton Stadium.