Mizzou Soccer Blanks Auburn in Physical SEC Opener
Posted on 14. Sep, 2012 by Alyssa McKee in Sports, Sports Articles
Friday, September 14-
Auburn fans were silenced Friday as the Missouri soccer team opened up SEC play at the Auburn University Soccer Complex with an impressive 2-0 victory.
Mizzou responded well after a devastating loss against Ohio State in overtime last week that shattered its otherwise perfect record on the season.
In what was a statistically close match, Missouri was able to stand out in a major way with its first goal slammed in by sophomore Kaysie Clark. It was Clarkâs second goal this year.
With the lead in favor of Missouri, Auburn answered on a quick counter and attempt on goal that was blocked by keeper McKenzie Sauerwein. The redshirt sophomore finished the game with eight saves on her way to a shut out.
Just before half, freshman Regan Russell received a yellow card, setting the stage for a physical second half.
Refusing to settle for a 1-0 lead, Missouri began the second frame strong with a shot on goal by Clark in the first thirty seconds. Auburn answered with a frustration foul.
Missouri committed two back-to-back fouls before putting in its second goal of the night. The decisive goal came from senior Haley Krentz who snuck the ball over just over the reach of Auburn keeper Amy Howard in the 51st minute. Howard finished the game with nine saves despite giving up two goals.
With Missouri now up two, the physicality continued to escalade. Immediately after the second goal, Auburn committed three fouls in a row creating some tension between the two teams.
Unfortunately for Auburn, the physical tactics were not enough to compete with the streaking Missouri Tigers, who improve to 6-1 (1-0) on the season. MU is now looking to extend its undefeated SEC record at 1 p.m. Sunday against South Carolina.
-Janey Marion
23 Sports
Staff Writer