Amidst its winless streak of eight games, Missouri soccer lost a one-score match against No. 23 Kentucky this Sunday.

Kentucky jumped out to an early lead as senior midfielder Úlfa Úlfarsdóttir scored on the Wildcats’ first shot off a cross from freshman defender Grace Hoytink in the sixth minute. 

Missouri has conceded the first goal in seven of its last eight matches, with the only exception coming against Ole Miss on Oct. 5. Four of those scores came in the first 15 minutes of the match. Úlfarsdóttir is on a hot streak, scoring three of the Wildcats’ last four goals.

Missouri compiled three shots while Kentucky had two for a low-event first half. As a result of the low-shot total, sophomore goalkeeper Bella Hollenbach failed to register a save in a half for the first time since the first half against Auburn on Sept. 21.

Missouri garnered plenty of opportunities in the second half, with eight shots in the final 45 minutes. Junior midfielder Milena Fischer gave the Tigers their best scoring chance with a header after a cross from sophomore forward Jessica Larson. 

On several occasions, Missouri attempted to cross the ball into the middle of the box instead of dribbling for a better shot. All of these cross attempts ended unsuccessfully, often leading to Kentucky gaining possession. 

Missouri has now been shut out four times this season, with three of those coming in the last six games.

This marks the Tigers’ ninth straight game which has either ended in a tie or been decided by one goal, going back to the beginning of SEC play. In those games and in-conference matches overall, Missouri holds a record of 1-7-1.

The Tigers are eliminated from the chance to play in the SEC Tournament, and will play their final game of the year at home against No. 16 Alabama on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.

Edited by Chase Gemes | cgemes@themaneater.com

Copy edited by Grace Knight

Edited by Sophie Rentschler | srentschler@themaneater.com