Tigers and Illini Play to 1-1 Tie
4/11/2010 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
April 11, 2010
Fenton, Mo. - The University of Missouri women's soccer team earned a 1-1 draw on Saturday at the Parkway College Showcase, in a competitive contest with Illinois that remained even after 90 minutes of regulation and two 10-minute overtime periods.
Junior forward Alysha Bonnick gave the Tigers a first half lead, scoring her first goal of the spring season in the 16th minute. The play started with sophomore striker Jessie Crabtree hustling to keep the ball in play at midfield, allowing junior Kari Adam to collect and find Bonnick with a pass over the top of the Illinois defense. The Ontario, Canada native raced to the endline before cutting inside her defender and sent a shot just under the crossbar from close range for the 1-0 lead.
Illinois' best scoring opportunity of the first half came off a corner kick in the closing minutes. The service to the backpost was redirected to the middle of the area where Illinois freshman forward Marissa Holden's header was cleared off the goalline by MU freshman midfielder Kelsey Mulcahy.
Following the break, Missouri held its advantage until the 79th minute when Illinois junior Jordan Hilbrands used her speed to danger the Missouri defense and draw a penalty kick after being taken down by sophomore Kendra Collins inside the area. Illinois junior defender Krystin Miller converted the penalty kick, shooting to her left. Miller also netted a pk against Missouri in their last meeting, a penalty kick shootout in the second round of the 2008 NCAA Tournament.
Missouri freshman goalkeeper Jess Gwin made four saves on the day, having played every minute in goal for the Tigers this spring. Missouri remains unbeaten against college competition in the spring season and Saturday's result marks the second draw against a Big Ten opponent after playing Minnesota to a scoreless tie in Kansas City in March.
The Tigers will complete their spring season next Saturday at 10 a.m. when they host Indiana. The match is part of the program's alumni weekend as they will also host the 2nd annual Tiger Trot 5K Run/Walk on Sunday at 9 a.m. at Memorial Stadium.
