Missouri dominates in first half, defeats Illinois

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri soccer team defeated Illinois, 2-1, in their Braggin’ Rights match Thursday, Sept. 7. The victory gives Mizzou a 3-1-2 record on the year, while the Illini drop to 3-2-1 on the season. The Tigers outshot Illinois in the contest 14-11, including nine shots on goal to the opposition’s five.

How It Happened

The Tigers would be in the driver’s seat early, collecting the game’s first three shots. Mizzou sophomore Jenna Bartels opened up the scoring in the 13th minute, putting a Rachel Kutella free-kick into the back of the net and giving Missouri the 1-0 advantage.

Sophomore Kylee Simmons quickly added to Missouri’s lead in the 24th minute, catching Illinois’ goalkeeper out of position and scoring her fourth goal of the season. MU continued to control the match, not conceding an Illini shot until the 28th minute.

Illinois attempted to take back control of the game with three quick shots on goal. However, sophomore goalkeeper Bella Hollenbach was not allowing it, stopping all three shots to keep the Tigers on top 2-0 at halftime.

Illinois would swing the momentum to start in the second half, taking and making a penalty kick in the 56th minute. The Illini would continue to pressure MU in the second half, but the Tigers defense and Hollenbach would hold off the comeback attempt and secure the 2-1 victory.

Game Notes

The win is the Tiger’s seventh of the series, bringing the all-time record to 7-5-2 against Illinois. Hollenbach got her first win of the season in her home debut, making four saves in the match. Bartels’ 13th-minute goal is her first of the 2023 season, and the assist from Kutella marks the first of the year and second of her Tiger career. Simmons’ goal in the 24th minute is the fourth of the season and sixth of her career. The Tigers topped the Fighting Illini in shots (14-11) and shots in goal (9-5). Up Next

Missouri will head to St. Louis for its next match, taking on the Missouri State Bears at World Wide Technology Park for the Mizzou to the Lou series on Sunday, Sept. 10.