April 17, 2010
Columbia, Mo. - The University of Missouri women's soccer team concluded their spring season on a successful note, notching a 2-1 comeback victory over the visiting Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday at Walton Stadium.
Indiana struck first in the 17th minute on a goal by freshman forward Orianica Velasquez. Hoosiers sophomore defender Kerri Krawczak earned the assist with a long pass over the Missouri defense for Velasquez to run onto along the sideline. Velasquez, the Hoosiers leading goalscorer from the fall and a member of the Colombian Women's National Team, finished the individual effort with a strong shot inside the near post from 15 yards out.
The Tigers drew even in the closing minutes of the first half by capitalizing on an error by Indiana goalkeeper Lauren Hollandsworth. The junior netminder conceded a corner kick while attempting to settle a Missouri shot going well wide of the goal, setting up Missouri's equalizer in the 42nd minute. Jessie Crabtree's service found fellow sophomore Candace Ruff at the far post to put the Tigers on the scoreboard with a header from close range.
Missouri took the lead for good in the 61st minute on a goal by freshman forward Haley Krentz. The play began with sophomore midfielder Mallory Stipetich's cross into the penalty area, which was headed out by the Indiana defense. Krentz was waiting at the top of the box and fired a low, first-time shot past Indiana goalkeeper Lindsay Campbell.
Missouri finishes the spring season at 2-1-2 with their only loss coming to professional side St. Louis Athletica. This marks the second consecutive spring the Tigers have not been defeated against college competition and bodes well for the fall as head coach Bryan Blitz welcomes six signees in the team's search for a third straight Big 12 title.
Saturday's match was the opening act in festivities surrounding alumni weekend for the Missouri soccer program. The team will host its 2nd annual Tiger Trot 5K Run/Walk on Sunday at 9am at Faurot Field, in an effort to raise attention to Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and will cap off the weekend with an alumni kickball following the event.