By Aidan Johnson

For the second time in a week, the Missouri Tigers women’s soccer team took down their SEC East opponent, Florida. The game, which meant more this time as it came in the second round of the SEC Tournament, was won late by the Tigers off the foot of Bella Alessi, who scored the game-winner in the 72nd minute of the game. The victory marked the fourth win in the SEC Tournament for Missouri since joining in 2012 and advanced them to the third round to take on South Carolina. 

Bella Alessi, who was credited with the assist on the first goal, and Macy Trujillo led the way for the Tigers all night and each finished with 2 points (a goal and an assist). Missouri held constant pressure over the course of 90 minutes, working to break down a Florida team that was riding momentum going into the Sunday night matchup. The tactics seemed to work well for the squad, as they outshot the Gators 18-7, while also leading in the shot-on-goal count 9-2. 

Florida, who was coming off of an intense 6-5 overtime win against Kentucky on Friday night, kept the game relatively close despite being the No. 13 seed in the tournament. Shortly after Trujillo’s goal for Mizzou in the 17th minute, Cassidy Lindley tied the game for Florida after a beautiful through ball from Alivia Gonzalez. The 21st minute finish proved to be the only goal for the Gators though, despite exploding for 6 in their previous match. 

For the Tigers, the win gives them an opportunity for revenge Tuesday night against South Carolina. Missouri fell to the Gamecocks 4-1 in their opening game of the season back on September 27 and will surely be looking to ride momentum going into the third-round matchup. The two teams will meet in Orange Beach, where the tournament is being held, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Edited by Emma Moloney