Justin Bjorseth

The SEC regular season drew to a close for the Tigers at Walton Stadium on Tuesday. They played host to the #17 Florida Gators, who came into the game looking to ride a three game winning streak into SEC tournament play. Missouri looked to gain a little momentum entering the tournament, and end the year on a nine game home winning streak. The game was a tight battle, that ultimately saw the Gators emerge 1-0 winners, setting up what should be an epic rematch next week to open up SEC tournament play.

The Tigers outshot Florida 16-14, but were unable to score, putting just four of those shots on goal. Florida was able to put half of their shots on goal, one of which sneaked by Kelsey Dossey. The goal was scored in the 35th minute, after the Tigers had controlled much of the play leading up to that point. This included a near goal by Freshman Sarah Luebbert in the 24th minute. She rebounded a shot near the net, kicking it towards the left post, beating the Florida goaltender. The shot ultimately went wide, and Florida was able to catch a break.

A glimmer of hope came for Missouri in the 80th minute, when they set up a great scoring opportunity off a corner kick. Melanie Donaldson put a header into the back of the net, tying the game at one goal a piece, almost assuring overtime. It was not long, though, until the officials came to crash the party. Offsides was called on the Tigers, and the goal was taken off the board.

Mizzou finished the season at 11-6-1, including 6-4-1 in SEC play. This has earned them the 5th seed in the SEC tournament and a rematch with these same 4th seeded Gators. It was a very exciting season here in Columbia, and the postseason promises to bring even more excitement.