MO State HS Sports

Mizzou Soccer Falls on Opening Night

Julissa Cisneros vs Illinois

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Tigers opened the 2021 season at home but were unable to fight off the Illinois (1-0-0) pressure. Mizzou (0-1-0) fell by a score of 4-0 to the Illini. The visitors were able to control the possession for most of the match and maintained pressure on the Mizzou back line.

The contest remained scoreless through the first third with few chances dispersed between both sides. In the 25th minute, Macy Trujillo was able to connect on a header after a free kick from Ashlyn Mills from about 40 yards out. The shot was saved on the right side of the goal, earning a corner for Mizzou. The Tigers were unable to convert, and the attempt proved to be the best chance of the night for the home side.

TURNING POINT

Illinois was soon after able to gain the advantage on a through ball down the right side of the box from Stephens. Abby Lynch was able to get inside the Mizzou defense and put away the first goal of the match.

At the half, the score remained at 1-0 with the Tigers only able to put a shot on goal from distance. The Illini got off to a very quick start in the second half. About 10 minutes into the half, the away side tucked in an unassisted goal off a turnover, scored by Pasquale, to double the lead. That goal was quickly met by another off another turnover. Sibler found Breslin in the box and she was able to get the ball to her right foot and send it in to the bottom left corner, making it 3-0.

A 79th minute goal for Maeve Jones and the Illini closed out the contest.

TOP TIGERS

Center back Ashlyn Mills was the only field player for the Tigers to play all 90 minutes. She nearly connected with Macy Trujillo on a free kick and held the center of the defense.

NOTES

Four Tigers made their collegiate debuts in Milena Fischer, Jenna McCormick, Ashlyn Mills, and Leah Selm.

Kyla Johnson played a career-high 18 minutes in the match.

UP NEXT

The Tigers will face Nebraska on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Audrey J. Watlton Soccer Stadium. Admission is free for all home contests.

Visit MUTigers.com for the latest information on all things Mizzou Soccer. You can also find the Tigers on social media by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter and Instagram (@MizzouSoccer).

This article is provided by University of Missouri Athletics