Soccer dominates stats, not scoreboard
Even though Missouri's soccer team needed a late goal Sunday from senior midfielder Mo Redmond to squeak by Butler 2-1, the Tigers finally dominated a game the way they did so often last season.
Take a second to digest these numbers. Missouri (4-2-0) outshot Butler 25-5, with a 14-2 advantage in shots on goal. The Tigers had a 5-2 edge in corner kicks. Butler goalkeeper Laura Baker made 12 saves, while Missouri junior keeper Tasha Dittamore had just one, meaning the Bulldogs didn't pressure often.
Redmond was a key to MU's dominance. She had four shots on goal, doubling Butler's entire team. Redmond is one of Missouri's most aggressive and physical players. She plays as an offensive midfielder, but she'll run all over the field to try to win the ball back. The Brownsburg, Ind. native missed the season opener and is still second on the team in shots on goal, trailing only sophomore forward Alysha Bonnick.
Bonnick, the 2007 Big 12 Rookie of the Year, leads the Tigers with two goals this season.
Coach Bryan Blitz continues to slip his freshmen into games, often in starting roles. Sunday, forward Candace Ruff started for the first time this year. Forward Kendra Collins got her fourth start, while midfielder Kelsey Blincow started for the third time.
It's clear Blitz is in no hurry to set his starting lineup. But the Tigers have just one more game (Friday vs. Iowa) before beginning Big 12 play, and it will be interesting to see who Blitz starts in the conference opener Sept. 26 at Iowa State.
