April 5, 2009

Columbia, Mo. - The University of Missouri women's soccer team emerged victorious in a hard fought spring match on Sunday, edging Purdue 2-1 at Walton Stadium. Junior forward Kristin Andrighetto scored both goals for the Tigers, as they improved to 2-1-0 in their spring season.

"Purdue is the perfect team to play," head coach Bryan Blitz said. "They pose a tactical challenge for us.

"The game could've gone either way, but we always find a way to win. This game will make us better for the future."

Purdue opened the scoring on a blast by senior striker Jessica Okoroafo. The former Big Ten freshman of the year collected the ball on the flank and cut inside at the top of the box before bending her shot inside the far post for the 1-0 lead.

Missouri answered less than two minutes later as Andrighetto's corner kick crossed the goalline after deflecting off the hands of the Purdue goalkeeper.

With both sides battling to break the deadlock in the second half, Andrighetto struck again with 10 minutes to play. Freshman midfielder Candace Ruff started the play with a pass over the top of the Purdue defense, allowing Andrighetto to run onto it and push a left-footed shot over the goalline for her third goal of the spring season.

The Tigers return to action next Saturday against another Big Ten opponent when they meet Indiana in St. Louis for a 1 p.m. kickoff.