The Tigers returned to the pitch in dominant fashion by defeating Southeast Missouri State 4-0.
Missouri women’s soccer kicked off their 2023-24 season with a dominant victory, defeating Southeast Missouri State 4-0 in their home opener.
Midfielder Milena Fischer, junior, races past her teammates as her name is announced before Missouri soccer’s home-opener at Audrey J. Walton Stadium in Columbia, Mo. on August 17, 2023. Missouri prevailed over Southeast Missouri State University with a score of 4-0.
The Tigers started five freshmen as part of their first 11, and the decision immediately paid dividends.
Goalkeeper Kate Phillips, freshman, controls the ball during Missouri soccer’s home-opener at Audrey J. Walton Stadium in Columbia, Mo. on August 17, 2023. Goalkeepers Kate Phillips and Mia Collins worked with Missouri’s defense to achieve a shutout against Southeast Missouri State.
The first goal of the season came courtesy of first-time players. Freshman midfielder Olivia Chianelli buried a pass from freshman forward Brianna Buels in the 10th minute to put Missouri on the board.
The freshman contributions continued with an assist from freshman defender Shania Spriggs, as sophomore forward Kylee Simmons netted her first goal of the year. The Tigers controlled a majority of opening 45 minutes, carrying a 2-0 lead into halftime while outshooting the Redhawks 9-0.
Forward Kylee Simons dribbles past a defender during Missouri soccer’s home-opener at Audrey J. Walton Stadium in Columbia, Mo. on August 17, 2023. Simons led Missouri’s 4-0 victory with three shots and one goal.
It didn’t take long for Spriggs to continue her tear, as she added an unassisted goal two minutes into the second half.
To put the cherry on top of a near immaculate teamwide performance, sophomore midfielder Keegan Good buried a goal in the 62nd minute to put Missouri up by 4. All contributions came from underclassmen, with 4 of the 6 points coming from the freshman. After narrowly defeating the Redhawks 1-0 last year, the Tigers left no doubt this time around thanks to a strong incoming freshman class.
The Missouri soccer team hypes up the crowd during their home-opener at Audrey J. Walton Stadium in Columbia, Mo. on August 17, 2023.
Missouri’s next game is their first road test of the year against Creighton on Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. Missouri finished with an 0-5-2 record on the road with just three goals scored.