Coming off an 8-2 loss against Arkansas, Missouri soccer bounced back with a 1-1 draw against Alabama and a 2-0 win against Florida, revealing both strengths and weaknesses through their performances. Here are some takeaways based on the match statistics and outcomes.

Offensive Performance: Bright Spots and Areas for Growth

In the game against Florida, Missouri capitalized on their opportunities. The Tigers scored two early goals — one from Olivia Chianelli around the sixth minute and another from Kylee Simmons in the eighth via a penalty kick after a foul committed by Florida goalkeeper Alexa Goldberg. This demonstrated the Tigers’ ability to execute plays effectively when needed, scoring two goals in SEC play since a 2023 match against Tennessee. 

However in the draw against Alabama, the Tigers struggled to maintain that offensive momentum, managing only eight shots, three of which were on goal. They scored once through Milena Fischer for her third goal of the season, tying the team lead with Simmons. However, the Tigers still rank tied-14th in the conference in goals scored this season. This limited offensive production reflects a need for improved attacking strategies and a greater volume of shots.

Defensive Strengths and Vulnerabilities

Missouri’s defense showcased improvement, particularly in the match against Florida, where goalkeeper Kate Phillips made nine saves. Despite allowing nine shots on goal, the Tigers managed to preserve their first SEC clean sheet since 2022, highlighting their ability to defend under pressure. Phillips’s nine saves was the most by a Missouri keeper since 2017.

Against Alabama, the defense allowed 24 shots, resulting in six on target and one goal. The Tigers contained Alabama’s offensive pressure by allowing six shots on goal, proving that if they get more opportunities on offense, they can have success when facing higher-caliber opponents in the rest of their SEC play. With only a 38% shot on goal rate, Missouri can focus on preventing high-quality shots.

Set Pieces

Missouri struggled when it came to creating set piece opportunities for themselves. They did not earn any corner kicks against Alabama, while the Crimson Tide had 10. The discrepancy in corner kicks and shots demonstrated a lack of offensive control in that match. 

Missouri earned four corner kicks against Florida, showcasing their ability to create opportunities for shots on goal. Two of those corner kicks led to the goals by Chianelli and Simmons on the ensuing set.

The Tigers have six more games before the SEC Tournament, three at home and away. Missouri currently sits tied-10th place in the SEC rankings alongside Alabama and Oklahoma. 

Next up for Missouri soccer is a match with the Tennessee Volunteers at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4 in Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Edited by Dylan Heinrich | dheinrich@themaneater.com

Copyedited by Hannah Taylor | htaylor@themaneater.com

Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com