Here’s what we’ve learned so far from Missouri women’s soccer through their three-game unbeaten streak.
While the women’s soccer season is still young, we’ve learned plenty from Missouri’s start.
The new season means new faces, of which Missouri has a new group of freshmen. With 10 freshmen on the team, the group has been making useful contributions. They have combined forces for three goals and three assists. Similar contributions have come from the sophomores, with six goals and three assists, combining for the rest of the points.
The top sophomore standout has been forward Kylee Simmons, leading the team with three goals. After only two goals last season, Simmons has already surpassed her previous total to take a major scoring role for the Tigers.
Sophomore midfielder Elena Zuchowski is also off to a quick start as the only other Tiger with three goal contributions. Zuchowski scored two assists in the game against Creighton, as well as the game-tying goal late in their game against Omaha.
Missouri has been in control for most of the season, outshooting their opponents 60-7. Yet the shots on goal differential have been less noticeable, with only a 35-7 Tiger advantage. Missouri has scored 9 goals, averaging a score on every 6.67 shots. Compare that to their opponents who score every 2.33 shots. While the Tigers are getting more shots and goals, their opponents are scoring at a higher rate, which could cause a problem in a game where the shots are more even.
These stats beg the question, has Missouri improved as a team, or have they been playing weaker opponents. None of their games have been against opponents in power five conferences, but their success has led to their best start since 2019.
Another key to this quick start has been Missouri’s 15-3 corner kick advantage through three games. These high-risk plays have led to more Tiger control in the offensive end.
It has been a learning experience for freshman goalkeeper Kate Phillips, who has started all three games. Phillips has allowed three goals with five saves through her first three collegiate games.
Missouri’s main room for improvement comes concerning the first goal. The Tigers have conceded the first goal in both of their last two games, falling behind within the first ten minutes. While these early goals allowed haven’t led to any losses, similar mistakes will cause problems against higher ranked opponents. Yet the Tigers have responded strong in the second half, allowing no goals on two shots in these three games.
The Tigers have put up strong performances to push to this fast start, but they need to continue improving as they embark on a tough road ahead.