Aug. 28, 2009

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Columbia, MO - In their 2009 home opener, the no. 11 University of Missouri women's soccer team fought for a 2-0 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats Friday night at Walton Stadium. Senior midfielder Michelle Makasini put the Tigers on the board in the 31st minute, followed by an insurance goal in the 79th minute from senior Michelle Collins.

The Wildcats had a chance to go ahead in the 21st minute, when Kendall Thoreson whipped in a corner that was juggled around in the box before Caroline Dagley's shot went over the crossbar.

Makasini opened scoring for the Tigers in the 31st minute, powerfully knocking home a cross from junior Kari Adam. The goal was Makasini's first of the season. Makasini almost tallied a second goal in the 40th minute when she received the ball with her back to the net, flicked the ball over her shoulder, and shot the ball just high of the crossbar.

In the second half, the Wildcats came out firing and creating chances, notching eight shots and earning seven corner kicks. The Missouri defense remained stout, forcing multiple errant shots from the Northwestern offense. In a testament to her defense, senior goalkeeper Tasha Dittamore was forced to make only two saves in the half.

Missouri put themselves in a comfortable position in the 79th minute when junior Alysha Bonnick tore down the far sideline and eventually laid the ball off to sure-footed senior Michelle Collins, who finished in the box. After finishing one of three Tiger goals in the season opener against Iowa, Collins continued her scoring ways by notching her second goal of the year.

The Tigers are back in action this Sunday, Aug. 28, against DePaul. The game begins at 1 p.m. at Walton Stadium. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for youth and seniors, and free to all University of Missouri students with a valid student ID.