In their second matchup against a ranked SEC opponent, Missouri soccer played up to their competition once again. While they were unable to emerge victorious like they did against previously ranked Auburn two weeks ago, the Tigers were able to grind out a 0-0 draw against the 21st-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs.
Both teams started slow, as neither Missouri or Mississippi State could establish consistent possession or pace in the first ten minutes of action. Although Mizzou would create a few semi-quality scoring chances, including a shot on goal by Hannah Boughton that was just high and right, they would be unable to cash in.
Then, with about 17 minutes to go in the first half, a Milena Fischer free kick dropped right in front of Kylie Dobbs about two yards away from the net with no defenders in front of her; it was as if a gift from the soccer gods had fallen from the sky. Unfortunately, Dobbs airmailed the shot, and the game remained scoreless at halftime.
The Missouri defense finally showed some permeability, as a Mississippi State corner kick eight minutes into the half produced two prime scoring chances for the Bulldogs. However, Bella Hollenbach turned into FIFA Golden Glove Manuel Neuer for a few moments and saved both shots, keeping the game scoreless.
I wish I were able to talk about more exciting scoring chances, but both defenses continued to stand tall throughout the second half. Both teams were able to create a few more decent chances, but nothing nearly as close as the Bulldogs had earlier in the second half. Most scoring chances in the box were cleared immediately. When the final horn sounded, the clock and score both read zero.
Hollenbach was excellent, finishing with six saves. However, the Missouri offense had few answers for Mississippi State’s lockdown defense, as Hannah Boughton and Grace Pettet registered the only two shots on goal for the Tigers. This marks the Bulldogs’ ninth shutout of the season, the most in the SEC.
Despite the offensive struggles for Missouri, this game could absolutely be considered a positive for the Tigers going forward. Missouri’s starting backline of Pettet, Megan Oduyoye and Rachel Kutella along with a midfield group led by Bella Carillo, Leah Selm and Keegan Good shut down a Mississippi State offense that had only been held scoreless twice all season. On offense, Missouri creating open scoring chances is a win, even though the Tigers weren’t able to capitalize. This continues a season-long trend for Missouri; entering Friday night’s game, the Tigers had outshot their opponents 130-79 and 49-42 on shots on target. The opportunities are being consistently created; now, it’s just about converting them.
The Tigers will travel to Knoxville for their next game against Tennessee on October 6, while the Bulldogs travel back to Starkville for their next game against South Carolina on that same day.