The Mizzou Tiger soccer team opened home play against the ranked No. 16 Northwestern Wildcats of the Big Ten. The Thursday night matchup in Columbia was defined by strong defense and missed opportunities from both sides. Additionally, it was “Pooch at the Pitch” night, so our four-legged friends were also in attendance to watch some cats go head-to-head in an exciting match.

In the 11’ Northwestern sophomore Madi Kennel missed one off the left post on an attempt from inside the penalty box. Mizzou junior Bethany Coons would follow suit with a long shot flying just over the net in the 16’.

Again, in the 23’ the Wildcats had a chance to break the tie, however, freshman Marisa Viggiano knocked an open look off the crossbar that Mizzou goalkeeper Kelsey Dossey cleared immediately. Dossey would also make an incredible diving save in the 32’ and despite being shaken up she would remain in the game.  At the end of the first half, the Tigers had four shots, none of which were on goal, while Northwestern finished with 5 shots (2 on goal).

Like the first half, the second began with aggressive play from both Mizzou and Northwestern. Wildcat freshman Mackenzie Wood saved a shot from inside the penalty box in the 60’ and in the 68’ senior Kayla Sharples cleared the ball from the goalie area in the nick of time to preserve the 0-0 tie. From then out, action slowed until regulation ended without a goal.

The third overtime game for the Tigers in there first four contests was short lived however. In the 97’ Northwestern sophomore Kylie Fisher put a laser shot into the top right corner of the net to seize the victory for the Wildcats. Northwestern continues its unbeaten streak at 4-0-1 on the season while Mizzou falls to 1-2-1. The Tigers host the Horned Frogs of TCU on Sunday, September 2^nd for their next contest.

-Logan Perrone