Missouri extend their winning streak to three straight on the backs of Simmons, Hollenbach.
Missouri traveled to the University of Florida on Friday for their first SEC matchup of the year, beating the Gators 3-2, led by another dominant performance from sophomore forward Kylee Simmons. The Tigers expanded their winning streak to three games and are now 5-1-2. The Gators dropped their second straight game — now sitting at 4-2-2.
The Tigers are undefeated this season in matches where they score three or more goals. It’s also the first time this year Missouri has won when allowing two goals to be scored against them.
Unlike last week against Missouri State, the Tigers came out of the gates firing. Three of the Tigers’ four first half shots came within the first 18 minutes of play.
Missouri capitalized on the early pressure in the 13th minute when senior forward Jenna Bartels’ strike found the back of the net, putting the Tigers ahead 1-0, the goal was Bartels’ second of the season.
Play was chippy on both sides throughout the match. Tensions came to a head in the 19th minute when Florida junior back Madison Young fouled Simmons in the box for a penalty kick. Simmons converted on the chance, expanding Missouri’s lead to 2-0.
The Gators responded quickly with a penalty kick of their own. In the 23rd minute, sophomore midfielder Oakley Rasmussen was fouled and put Florida on the board, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
The second half began much like the first, as the Tigers crafted several strong drives into Gator territory. Missouri scored again in the 50th minute when senior back Grace Pettet’s skyscraping pass found Simmons downfield, leading to her second goal of the game and putting the Tigers ahead 3-1.
Simmons has been electric for the Tigers this year. The second year striker is leading the Tigers with 7 goals and 11 points.
Florida struck again in the 75th minute on freshman forward Megan Hinnenkamp’s shot into the top of the net. It was the Missouri native’s fourth goal of the season, and the final goal of the night.
Despite allowing 2 goals, Tigers sophomore goalkeeper Bella Hollenbach kept Missouri in the game with the Tigers being outshot 10-5. The keeper had four saves on the night, and the team is undefeated since she returned to the lineup against Kansas.
Missouri will try to extend its winning streak to four straight when it visits Auburn Thursday, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. CT.
Edited by Chase Gemes | cgemes@themaneater.comCopy edited by Grace Knight