ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – In another exhilarating contest, Mizzou Soccer (6-11-2, 3-6-1) fell to LSU (12-6-1, 5-4-1) in double overtime in the first round of the 2018 SEC Tournament, 3-2. The game seesawed back and forth until LSU scored the golden goal in the 104th minute on Alex Thomas' third goal of the day.
Freshman forward Julissa Cisneros (Moreno Valley, Calif.) was masterful against LSU, scoring two goals on her six shots taken. Anytime LSU jumped ahead, the freshman had the answer: both goals came when the Tigers were trailing, including a late penalty kick in the 85th minute to send the game into OT. Her first goal showcased exactly why she was named to the SEC's All-Freshman Team, as she took up the space LSU gave her and fired a rocket into the top left corner from 20 yards out.
TURNING POINT
In the 104th minute, both teams looked gassed. It seemed as if the game was headed for penalty kicks, but LSU countered one last time. A LSU winger crossed the ball in, bodies hit the deck, and a PK was given. Alex Thomas of LSU completed her hat trick at the spot, slotting the ball low, left, and passed senior goalkeeper Kelsey Dossey (Plainfield, Ind.). LSU grabbed the win, and will move on to face Tennessee in round two.
TOP TIGERS
- Cisneros finishes the season as Mizzou's leading goal scorer courtesy of her two goals in the game. Her five goals in a single season are the most by a Tiger freshman since junior forward Sarah Luebbert (Jefferson City, Mo.) had 10 in 2016.
- Both of Cisneros' goals in the game were unassisted.
- Luebbert had four shots herself, one of which was on goal.
- Dossey finished with three saves on the day. That gives her 80 this season, and 203 in her illustrious career.
Stay tuned to Mizzou Soccer's social media (@MizzouSoccer) for updates on the program.
