In a gritty matchup, the Missouri Tigers showcased their defense in a 1-1 draw against Alabama, bouncing back after a tough 8-2 loss to Arkansas.

Missouri goalkeeper Kate Phillips made five saves, highlighted by a jumping deflection off a corner kick from Sydney Japic in the 10th minute that kept things tied. The Tigers’ backline, with key contributions from Landis Canada and Jessica Larson, pushed Alabama players off the ball, making it difficult for them to penetrate the penalty area.

Milena Fischer broke the deadlock in the 26th minute with a targeted shot in the bottom right corner, giving Missouri a 1-0 lead. 

Alabama responded, accumulating six fouls in frustration as they struggled to break through Missouri’s organized defense. The Tigers allowed only four shots on goal on 12 attempts in the first half.

The second half saw a shift in momentum when Melina Rebimbas scored a free kick in the top left corner less than a minute in, leveling the match at 1-1. Alabama continued to push, but faced a resilient Missouri defense that continued to ward off their efforts. Phillips had a one-on-one opportunity in front of goal against Gianna Paul in the 50th minute.

Missouri nearly reclaimed the lead in the 82nd minute when Fischer set up Brianna Buels in the box, but her shot narrowly missed the target wide left.

Phillips finished the game with five saves in her first favorable decision of the season. Although both teams left the field with a point, Phillips faced 24 shots while Alabama keeper Coralie Lallier faced only eight. 

The Tigers hope to bring the momentum from this game into the next as they return home at 5 p.m. to face Florida on Senior Night this Sunday, Sept. 29.

Edited by Dylan Heinrich | dheinrich@themaneater.com

Copyedited by Natalie Kientzy | nkientzy@themaneater.com

Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com