COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri soccer played Alabama to a 1-1 draw on Thursday night at Alabama Soccer Stadium.
A goal in the 26th minute by Missouri senior Milena Fischer led the game to the final tally.
Fischer gained possession of a loose ball, sidestepped an Alabama defender, took one step toward the top of the box and blasted a shot into the bottom right corner of the net past the extended arms of the Crimson Tide keeper.
The two teams exchanged attacking positions out of the gate with each pressuring the respective defenses.
In the sixth minute, the Tigers got their first clear offensive opportunity of the match as Kylee Simmons sent a cross into the box that found the head of Fischer who just missed high on her attempt.
In the 10th minute, sophomore goalkeeper Kate Phillips made a leaping save and deflected an Alabama attempt with her left hand to keep the contest scoreless.
In the final seconds before the break, the Crimson Tide attack navigated the Missouri midfield and fired a shot that connected with the crossbar, the attempt shot back into the box before being cleared by the Tigers’ backline.
The miss saw the Tigers leading by a goal after the opening 45 minutes.
Just seconds after returning to action for the second half, Alabama earned a free kick outside the left corner of the box. The shot made it past the outstretched arms of Phillips and into the top left corner of the net to tie the contest.
In the 58th minute, Alabama pushed the ball to the center of the box and got a good look at goal, but Phillips charged out of the net and deflected the shot wide to keep the game equal.
Missouri defended for extended stretches in the heart of the second half, but were able to hold the Crimson Tide from finding a separating goal.
The Tigers’ offense suddenly ramped up its aggression in the final 10 minutes.
In the 82nd minute, Fischer found sophomore forward Brianna Buels who was streaking past the Alabama defense. Buels pushed the possession into the box, but her shot fell just wide of the lower left corner.
Less than three minutes later, freshman midfielder Landis Canada dished the ball to Simmons on the left side of the box. Simmons turned and fired a shot towards goal that got past the Alabama keeper, but struck the left post.
UP NEXT
Missouri returns home to face Flordia at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats at 6:25 p.m. to view a ceremony honoring the 2024 senior class. The contest will be available to be streamed live on SECN+.
