Missouri soccer turned the book on the Missouri State Bears, shutting them out 2-0 and handing them their first loss of the year. 
Missouri has improved their season record to 4-1-2 after the two in-state rivals faced off in St. Louis, as part of the “Mizzou to the Lou” Series. Missouri State’s record dropped to 5-1-2, breaking their undefeated streak. 

Coming into the game, the two Missouri teams appeared to be very similar offensively. This was quickly proven to be true as the Tigers and the Bears maintained an offensive battle for control during the entire first half of the game. 

Missouri had an early offensive push after freshman forward Brianna Buels was tripped near the sideline. The trip led to a foul kick that sent the ball into Missouri State’s box. The Bears fought back down field for the first shot on the goal of the game.

Missouri then pushed against a Missouri State drive to force a downhill run. An ideal touch from sophomore defenseman Bella Carrillo allowed sophomore forward Kylee Simmons’ perfectly placed head ball to find the back of the net for the first goal of the game in the 22nd minute. Of a total of 80 shots against Missouri State goalkeeper Camielle Day, this is only the sixth goal she has allowed.

A sliding save in the bottom right corner of the net from redshirt freshman goalkeeper Bella Hollenbach saved a shot on goal from scoring, keeping the game from being tied in the 43rd minute. Missouri’s loss of control allowed Missouri State to have a majority of the possession at the end of the first half.

The Tigers led at halftime despite Missouri State having the first shot on goal and much of the control over the ball. By the end of the half, Missouri achieved twice the amount of shots the Bears’ had. 

The offensive battle persisted in the second half of the game. But Missouri once again scored first when Buels sent a high shot into the top left corner in the 51st minute to score her second career goal. 

Missouri lacked their usually aggressive offensive plan this game. In previous games, Missouri has frequented player heavy pushes up the field that left their defensive line vulnerable to the opponent’s drives. Missouri kept more players back and crashed the goal less in this game. This plan worked to the Tiger’s advantage as Missouri State made frequently dangerous drives.

For both teams, this is their last game before they begin conference play. Missouri goes on the road to play Florida at 6 p.m. CDT on Sept. 15. Missouri State heads to Kentucky to play Murray State on Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. CDT. The “Mizzou to the Lou” Series continues as Missouri football takes on Memphis at The Dome at America’s Center on Sept. 23.

Edited by Chase Gemes | cgemes@themaneater.com

Copy Edited by Sterling Sewell | ssewell@themaneater.com