Missouri soccer began its Southeastern Conference campaign on Sept. 16 with a victory at home, defeating No. 23 Auburn 1-0.

The substitutes made the difference for the Tigers, as sophomore forward Kylie Dobbs scored the only
goal of the game in the 35th minute shortly after coming on the field. Dobbs quickly turned an Auburn defender before rifling the ball into the far bottom corner of the opposition goal to put Missouri in front. Freshman forward Jessica Larson, who also came off the bench, provided the assist for the go-ahead goal. This was Dobbs’ first touch of the game and her second goal of the season.

It was a defensively sound performance from the Tigers, who held Auburn to just four shots compared to their 12. Missouri’s center defensive partnership of juniors Grace Pettet and Rachel Kutella easily dealt with the Auburn attack, ensuring a smooth day at the office for redshirt freshman goalkeeper Bella Hollenbach. Hollenbach was forced to make just one save during the match.

Missouri dominated the first half, conceding just one shot throughout the first 45 minutes of play. Auburn began to apply some pressure on the Tigers’ backline in the second half, and even came close to scoring in the 75th minute. Auburn junior forward Maddie Simpson’s shot from the top of the box beat Hollenbach but came rattling off the crossbar to keep Missouri in front.

It was a fairly physical game with 26 total fouls between the two teams and a yellow card given to each side. Missouri’s physicality proved to be too much for Auburn, who struggled to create chances and score goals.

Edited by Brandon Haynes | bhaynes@themaneater.com

Copy edited by Jacob Richey | jrichey@themaneater.com