LOS ANGELES – The Mizzou soccer team opened preseason action with a 0-0 scoreless tie at No. 4 UCLA Wednesday afternoon in Los Angeles, Calif., in a match played in three 30 minute periods. Tiger freshman goalkeeper Kelsey Dossey (Plainfield, Ind.) made five saves in goal, including a number of diving stops, to keep the two-time defending Pac-12 Conference champions off the scoreboard.
"We got what we wanted out of this trip," Head Coach Bryan Blitz said. "This is a good UCLA program, we knew they would test us in ways we needed to allow us to move forward. We were able to gauge some things we did well and some we still need to work on. We now have a quick turnaround for a good Arkansas team on Saturday."
After a diving save from Dossey in the early minutes, the Tigers nearly grabbed the lead as the Tigers nabbed possession. Sophomore Kaitlyn Clark (Liberty, Mo.) made a long run down the left sideline and sent a cross eight yards in front of the net. Redshirt junior Jessica Herrman (Raytown, Mo.) one-timed the pass toward goal but her attempt bounced off the left post.
One minute later, the Bruins had a near chance of their own but their attempt clanged off the crossbar to keep the match scoreless.
Shots from senior Reagan Russell (Sugar Land, Texas) and sophomore Alli Magaletta (Chesterfield, Mo.) early in the second 30 minute period. Russell unleashed a low, bouncing shot that went just wide left, while Magaletta one-timed a pass from Russell that flew right into the UCLA keeper's hands.
Two near chances from senior Macee Blanchard (Fort Worth, Texas) were Mizzou's best chances of the day. First, Blanchard launched a 30-yard free kick that hit off the right post for a goal kick. A few minutes later, the senior stole the ball in UCLA's defensive third, took a couple dribbles and ripped a shot toward net. However, the attempt bounced just wide of the right post.
Missouri's defense held firm in the final third to ensure the shutout for the Tigers.
Mizzou concludes its exhibition schedule on Saturday, Aug. 15 against Arkansas at Swope Park in Kansas City, Mo. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. and admission is free.
