COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri soccer defeated Florida, 2-0, behind a pair of early goals on Sunday night at Audrey J. Walton Stadium.

In the fifth minute, senior midfielder Milena Fischer attempted a corner kick that was headed and blocked by the Gators' goalkeeper, but sophomore midfielder Olivia Chianelli was able to collect the rebound and find the back left corner of the net to give the Tigers an early 1-0 lead.

Less than three minutes later off another Tigers' corner kick, the Florida keeper obstructed Chanelli in the box. Junior forward Kylee Simmons picked her spot and found the back left of the net to convert the penalty opportunity and give the Tigers a two-goal lead.

Trailing in the 17th minute, Florida had their first scoring opportunity of the night. The visiting attack charged the goal and struck a shot that connected with the right post and went wide.

In the middle of the opening half, the Gators lofted a shot, sophomore goalkeeper Kate Phillips lept for the deflection and pushed the attempt just over the top of the crossbar to keep the Florida scoreless.

As the clock wound down in the first half, Simmons sent a cross into the box that found the head of junior midfielder Keegan Good. Good nearly added to the lead, directing a header just to the right of the net.

Six minutes into the second half, Florida earned a free kick and lofted the ball into the center of the box which connected with the head of a Gators' attacker. The close-range shot was pushed back into play by Phillips. The ball caromed around briefly, but was eventually blasted over the top of the crossbar by Florida.

In the 55th minute, Florida got behind the Tigers' backline, but Phillips aggressively came off her line to make a diving save to preserve the clean sheet.

Nearly two minutes later, freshman Emily Derucki looked to add to the lead as she charged towards the Gators goal. Eyeing a look on net, Derucki slotted a shot that collided with the left post.

The Gators continued to ramp up their offensive intensity as the minutes ticked away in the contest, but every attempt was denied by Phillips.

In the closing minutes, Florida had a shot tipped from the right edge of the box and a rebound opportunity near the net, but the chance was again turned away by Phillips to preserve the shutout.

In total, Phillips faced twenty shots, nine of which were on goal.

UP NEXT

Missouri will travel to face Tennessee at 6 p.m. CT on Friday. The contest is available to be streamed live on SECN+.