Missouri soccer extends win streak to six in Arizona
At least one Missouri team notched a win in Tempe, Ariz., last night.
Hours before the football team suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Arizona State, the No. 18 Tigers women's soccer squad scored a sixth consecutive triumph, prevailing on a tally from sophomore forward Brooke Williams in the 75th minute to notch a hard earned 1-0 victory over the Arizona Wildcats to open up the Sun Devil Desert Classic.
The Tigers (6-1) kept their momentum rolling with a strong defensive effort keyed by redshirt freshman goalkeeper McKenzie Sauerwein's career-high seven saves. A powerful back line led by junior transfer Allison Hu, junior Jessica Greer and senior Mallory Stipetich helped contribute to a third straight shutout for the team, and fourth overall, with physical play in the MU end.
Sauerwein played all 90 minutes in the fixture, further entrenching herself as the starting backstop with another sublime performance. The impressive showing was highlighted by an acrobatic save in the 42nd minute as the Texas product tipped a long-range Wildcats (0-5) shot over the crossbar at the last second.
After heading to halftime evened up at nil-nil, the Tigers needed another 30 minutes before Williams broke through and buried a touch perfect cross from senior midfielder Kelsey Blincow into the back of the net. The goal was the second of the season for the Missouri State transfer and provided the only offense the Tigers needed.
Arizona played with pride in its home state, mounting a last ditch effort for an equalizer in the final five minutes that came up short. MU had a 13-12 edge in shots as well as a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks.
The game was delayed for a 30-minute period in the first half due to lightning in the vicinity.
Missouri has little time to celebrate its win as the Tigers jump right back into action Sunday, when they will take on Arizona State (3-2) in their second game of the Sun Devil Classic at 3:30 p.m. CST.