September 15, 2022

Missouri soccer is seeking a winning record this season after going 7-10 last year and 3-7 in the SEC. With the addition of 11 new players and a new assistant coach, the Tigers may have a shot.

Of the 11 new players, there are four midfielders, three forwards, three defenders and one goalkeeper. Ten of the athletes are freshmen and one is a transfer student.

Freshman forward Jessica Larson joins the Tigers after playing in O’Fallon, where she led her high school team to two state titles and one undefeated season. Individually, Larson made 57 goals and 26 assists in two seasons. 

Another player bringing a stacked resume to the team is freshman midfielder Elena Zuchowski. Zuchowski comes from Wisconsin as the fifth-ranked player in the Midwest, winning six consecutive state championships with her club team. After seeing the leadership Zuchowski brings on and off the field, head coach Stephanie Golan selected her to be a team captain for the 2022 season.

Assistant coach Kelsey Wys was brought onto the coaching staff in February after serving as assistant coach at Appalachian State for two years. Prior to coaching, Wys played as a goalkeeper at Florida State, where she led the team to two ACC titles and a national runner-up finish in 2013. Wys also played for the National Women’s Soccer League for five years. 

Even though Missouri lost to several SEC teams last season, the new added talent may be what it needs to set the program over the top and move it up in ranking. Golan believes that Wys’ value of positive team culture will help translate to more wins for the team. With the plethora of skills Golan has added, the Tigers can expect to have a season with many wins, provided that  they create a positive culture and are united in achieving the same goals.
The Tigers will play their first game on Sunday, Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. at home against Memphis. After playing nine non-conference games, Missouri will begin SEC play on Friday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. against Auburn.

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