Missouri soccer draws with DePaul
Weather, time and luck worked against the Missouri Tigers in Chicago on Saturday aftermoon. The Tigers faced 40-mph winds and multiple close chances, eventually fighting to a 1-1 draw against the DePaul Blue Demons. The loss dropped Missouri to 0-3-1 on the season.
Only five shots combined were taken in the first half, as both squads played cautiously and tried to adjust to the aggressive winds. But Missouri started to control possession better as the second half started, managing to get a few balls down into the corner but were unable to get them on net.
DePaul struck first in the 58th minute. Blue Demon midfielder Kelly Blumberg lofted a pass to the near post, and midfielder Lauren Pagone crossed in front of Missouri goalkeeper Jessica Gwin and flicked the ball into the net.
The Tigers continued to control possession, mainly by using their signature physicality. DePaul was down three starters due to injury, and clearly Missouri coach Bryan Blitz's gameplan was to wear the replacements down. By the end of the game, the Tigers had 23 fouls.
Missouri finally broke through in the 81st minute. Freshman forward Dominique Richardson fired a free kick from 40 yards out that blasted by DePaul goalkeeper Claire Hanold. It was Richardson's second goal of her already impressive first season.
The game would go two overtimes, and each of Missouri's five shots were stifled by Hanold, ending the game in a tie.
On paper, it seems like the Tigers should have ran away with the game. They outshot the Blue Demons 16-8 and had eight corner kicks. But the stats don't tell the whole story. Hanold was brilliant in net for DePaul. Each of her nine saves were more difficult than the last. And credit must be given to the DePaul defense as well. They limited Missouri's attack to the sidelines and corners, and the Tigers were unable to penetrate the middle of the field without turning the ball over. And each of the Missouri corner kicks were defended well.
In the end, the Tigers just came up short against a great goaltending performance and a solid defense. While coach Blitz likely is looking forward to his 200th win, he can't be too disappointed in how his team played today.
The Tigers will try again for their first win of the season on Sunday against Northwestern.