KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – In what was an absolutely thrilling contest throughout, Mizzou Soccer (6-10-2, 3-6-1) narrowly fell to No. 12 Tennessee (13-2-2, 7-2-1), 2-1, at Regal Soccer Stadium on Thursday night. The Tigers played arguably their best game of the season against the Vols, battling with the SEC superpower for 96 minutes. The Tigers drew first blood, as redshirt junior Bethany Coons (Union, Mo.) put a laser into the back of the net in the 33rd minute to give Mizzou the lead. Tennessee was able to equalize midway through period number two though, drawing a penalty and slotting it home.
In the end though, Tennessee star Bunny Shaw shined through, netting the winner in unbelievable fashion to end the game in extra time at the 96 minute mark.
Senior goalkeeper Kelsey Dossey (Plainfield, Ind.) put the team on her back for the majority of the contest, making ridiculous saves all night long, including three from Shaw that were taken at point blank range. She finished with nine saves, one shy of her season high.
The Tigers finish the SEC regular season with three wins and 10 total points, needing losses or draws from Mississippi State and Alabama to get to Orange Beach, Ala. to take part in the postseason. Since Mizzou joined the SEC back in 2012, they have never missed the tournament.
TURNING POINT
Shaw and Dossey dueled all night long, and for all of regulation and the beginning of the OT period, Dossey had dominated her, turning her away three different times from close range. However, in the 96th minute, Shaw got her revenge, ending the game right then and there.
She made two Tiger defenders miss with world-class footwork, and then blasted an absolutely perfect ball into the top left corner of the net. Though Dossey had been unreal all night long, no goalkeeper on Earth could have saved the shot from Shaw.
TOP TIGERS
- Despite the result, it was an absolute master class put on by Dossey. Her nine saves in the game give her 200 career saves. She is one of just four goalkeepers in Mizzou Soccer history to accomplish the feat.
- Coons' second goal of the season was a beauty, and was a product of her constant attacking presence. She finished the game with seven shots, four of which were on goal.
- Junior forward Sarah Luebbert (Jefferson City, Mo.) earned the assist on the Coons' goal. She now leads the team with three helpers this season.
QUOTEABLES
"We scored a great first goal," head coach Bryan Blitz said. "It was one of our better games away from home against a really good Tennessee team. I think the difference today was Bunny Shaw. She is world class, and probably the best player in the country. I hope we get an opportunity in Orange Beach. This team, with this heart, deserves one."
UP NEXT
The Tigers don't yet know their SEC Tournament fate, as they now need both Mississippi State and Alabama to lose or draw. Stay tuned to Mizzou Soccer's social media (@MizzouSoccer) for updated results.
