In a rematch less than a week after Florida outlasted Missouri 1-0, the Gators and Tigers were at it again in the Southeastern Conference Tournament. After the game was tied 3-3 through regulation, Missouri fell in penalty kicks in an instant-classic SEC game. Florida’s Melanie Monteagudo took over the game, scoring the winning penalty kick and two goals in regulation.
Both teams made adjustments heading into the game; the showdown was dominated offensively, not defensively. In a sharp contrast to how Mizzou games usually go, the scoring came early and often, with three goals in the first 25 minutes.
It began with a goal from Mizzou’s Jessica Johnson in the second minute. She scored along the left flank with an assist from Allie Hess. This was Johnson’s fourth goal on the year.
Monteagudo swiftly answered in the 13th minute and was assisted by Mayra Pelayo and Sarah Troccoli. Troccoli then joined the scoring action, heading in a rebound off a corner kick assisted by Meggie Dougherty How.
After halftime, Monteagudo scored again in the 46th minute, giving Florida a 3-1 lead.
Mizzou was in trouble until the Tigers scored two goals in less than a minute. First, Melanie Donaldson blasted a perfect ball out of reach of goalkeeper Kaylan Marckese’s hands in the 60th minute. Just 55 seconds later, Johnson headed in the game-tying goal.
The biggest play of regulation was a foul on Sarah Luebbert as she entered the box. This gave a penalty kick to Donaldson in the 85th minute with a chance to win the game. Marckese made a stellar save, though, and the 3-3 tie held to force overtime.
In both overtimes, Mizzou was held shotless and was outshot on the game 18-15. After the game remained tied after two overtimes, it came down to penalty kicks. Both teams started off by scoring on seven straight penalty kicks. Then Marckese made the play of the game, saving a shot attempt from Savannah Trujillo. Monteagudo followed with an easy score, giving Florida the victory.
Now Mizzou waits for the NCAA Soccer Selection Show on Nov. 7 to see if they will receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
_Edited by Nancy Coleman | ncoleman@themaneater.com_
