Oct. 3, 2004
Columbia, Mo.--Completing a Missouri sweep of Colorado this fall, the Mizzou soccer team completed the tri-fecta toping the Buffs 1-0 today. The victory brings the Tigers to a 5-6-1 season record with a 2-2 Big 12 Conference mark.
Taking control of the first half, Missouri outshot Colorado 6-to-3 keeping the Buffs to just one shot in the period until the last five minutes of play. Settling into a fluid rhythm, the Tigers pressured Colorado offensively coming up with several close encounters. Starting her first game after recuperating from a knee injury, forward Melissa Peabody dazzled Mizzou fans with speed and several dangerous scoring opportunities.
Likewise keeping tabs on the Colorado offense, the Mizzou defense was on task thwarting the Buffs allowing just one shot on goal in the first period. Despite leaving the half with a 0-0 deadlock, the Tigers played some of their finest first half minutes so far this season.
Solidly entering the second half, the Tigers kept Colorado fighting for every ball possession. Winning 14-of-16 air balls in her contention, defensive midfielder Elyse Nikonchuk utilized her height and talent to put the Tigers on the scoreboard midway through the period. Forward Jennifer Nobis crossed a long throw in through the center of the Colorado penalty box where Nikonchuk headed the ball into the CU net.
The goal rallied the Mizzou effort inspiring tenacious play across the field. Defender Ashley Gibbs played another tremendous game making her first team save of the season when Colorado's Katie Griffin lured MU keeper Laura Buerhig from the box. Heading to an open goal, Gibbs capitalized on her speed to overpower Griffin and steal the ball before the Buff could take a clean shot on the empty net.
Overall, Missouri dominated Colorado out shooting the Buffs 12-to-5, keeping CU to just two shots in the second period. Forced to make a single save in the game, Buehrig picked up her second shutout victory bringing her season record to 5-6-1 (2-2 Big 12).
The Tigers resume a four-game home stand next weekend when Mizzou hosts Kansas on Fri., Oct. 8 at 7:00 p.m., and Iowa State on Sun., Oct. 10 at 1:00 p.m. Missouri soccer games are played in Audrey J. Walton Soccer Stadium.