Sept. 18, 2009

Box Score

Los Angeles, Calif. - The University of Missouri women's soccer team (4-3-1) fell 1-0 to Loyola Marymount (5-3-0) in the opening match of the UCLA Women's Cup on Friday evening. Despite outshooting the Lions 22-5, including a 9-3 advantage in shots on goal, an outstanding outing by LMU goalkeeper Allyssa Clark and a header by LMU's Lacey Bartels in the 57th minute proved to be the difference as the Tigers suffered their first road loss of the season.

The Tigers had several scoring opportunities in the first half. Sophomore Kelsey Blincow had an early near miss and a clearance turned shot by sophomore Mallory Stipetich bounced before hitting the corner of the crossbar and the goalpost in the 20th minute. Despite their efforts, the two teams entered halftime scoreless at Drake Stadium on the UCLA campus.

The Lions turned the momentum of the match though in the 57th minute off a well-placed header by Bartels. The senior did well to get on the end of a cross from Julie Gallaudet for her first goal of the season.

The Tigers responded with an onslaught of attempts in the closing half hour, beginning in the 66th minute as Missouri earned a penalty kick when sophomore Jessie Crabtree was taken down in the box. Once again though, Clark was up to the task as she stopped Alysha Bonnick's attempt.

Less than three minutes later, Clark made her best save of the night as Missouri freshman Jessica Greer nearly tied it up only to see the 5'11" senior goalkeeper keep the clean sheet intact with a sprawling stop, one of nine on the night. On the opposite end of the field, Tigers' goalkeeper Tasha Dittamore made two saves to give her 33 on the season.

The Tigers will look to rebound on Sunday as they play the role of underdog against No. 4 UCLA on their home turf at 1 p.m. CDT.