The losing streak for Mizzou soccer extended to seven matches with a 2-1 loss against Texas A&M. This was a pivotal game on the schedule for both teams, sitting at 13th (Tigers) and 14th (Aggies) in the SEC
standings coming into this contest.
Conference tournament hopes for Mizzou are all but shattered after the loss.
A surprising event occurred to close the first half. The Tigers scored a goal. (Editor’s note: GASP.)
In the final 10 seconds of the half, midfielder Olivia launched the ball from just past the halfway line to inside Texas A&M’s penalty box. The ball found midfielder Hailey Chambliss, and she made a quick touch before firing a last-ditch effort towards the goal. While the ball did not make it to the goal, Aggie defender Bella Yakel fouled Chambliss.
Head coach Stefanie Golan let midfielder Olivia Chianelli take the penalty kick, Mizzou’s first PK of the season. The junior shot the ball into the top right of the goal, catching goalkeeper Maysen Veronda off guard on her diving save attempt.
It took a lot less time for the Aggies to get on the board, scoring in the third minute, on their first shot of the game. Forward Kaylee Noble went unguarded down the right sideline before cutting inside and kicking the ball into the top left corner of the net.
The match was 1-1 at halftime, and Texas A&M led in shots four-three. The Aggies’ strategy of playing keepaway after their early score failed when the Tigers scored on the PK, carrying that momentum into the second half.
Mizzou got the first shot off of the closing 45’ when defender Jessica Larson took a shot from far out, but it was easily saved by Veronda.
PK madness continued in this match as Larson fouled freshman forward Holly Storer as she entered the penalty box after making a run down the right sideline.
Yakel lined up for the kick and shot a low ball into the bottom left of the net, scoring the winner in the 73rd minute as goalkeeper Kate Phillips dove in the opposite direction.
Phillips ended the match with six saves on Texas A&M’s 13 shot attempts compared to Veronda’s seven saves on 13 shots attempted. Each squad finished the match with eight shots on goal.
Stats and Storylines
Freshman midfielder Aly Bryant made her first career start in the match for Mizzou, appearing in nine matches before getting the nod.
The Tigers have an extensive history with Texas A&M on the pitch, but with the loss, they moved to 6-20-4 in their all-time series.
Chianelli now leads the team with three goals on the season. Five players were previously tied for the most goals with two.
The final home match of the season is up next for the Tigers, with a match against the No. 7 Arkansas Razorbacks. Mizzou will say goodbye to seniors Elena Zuchowski, Bella Carillo, Keegan Good, Larson and Chambliss before kicking off at 2 p.m. on Oct. 19.
