The second match of the Stefanie Golan era initially looked very promising. Then a nightmare occurred. Going into the half, Missouri trailed Nebraska only 1-0. Even better, they hadn’t been completely dominated. Yes, Nebraska spent more time trying to score than trying to prevent a score, but the Tigers had chances toward the end. It felt like momentum had shifted to Missouri for the first time this year.
Senior Julissa Cisneros was playing well, delivering well-placed corners and giving her team chances to score. Keeper Isabella Alessio had, for the most part, played a solid game turning away the Cornhuskers. Then, five minutes out of the half, Eleanor Dale found the net for the second time of the match, giving way to a complete Nebraska onslaught.
In just under ten minutes, the Cornhuskers scored three times, including an ugly own goal by Mizzou midfielder Macy Trujillo. A question worth asking: should Mizzou have lost 5-0? Heck no. But pretty much everything that can go wrong in the sport of soccer went wrong for the Tigers.
Whether it was an incredible left-footed goal from Theresa Pujado or blatant mental errors, Mizzou is better than being outscored 9-0 to open the season. That is still not to excuse them from their bad mistakes. With this win, Nebraska snaps a 8 game road losing streak. Meanwhile, Mizzou has just one win in their last six matches.