Bowling Green State University Athletics
Missouri Blanks Falcons, 1-0
September 15, 2002 | Women's Soccer
Sept. 15, 2002
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Missy Peabody's goal in the second minute proved to be the only goal the University of Missouri would need as the Tigers held on for a 1-0 win over the Bowling Green State University women's soccer team Sunday (Sept. 15). The match, part of the Ohio State Tournament, was held at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
Mizzou improves to 4-1-1 with the victory, while the Falcons fall to 3-2-1. BGSU saw a four-match unbeaten streak come to an end.
Peabody scored the lone goal of the contest just 1:35 into the first half, converting off a crossing ball by teammate Amber Swinehart. Adriene Davis also had an assist on the play.
The Tigers outshot the Falcons by a 14-4 margin, and MU had a 6-3 edge in shots on goal. Mizzou's Megan Duncan made three saves to earn the shutout, while BGSU senior Erika Flanders made five stops in net.
The match was delayed by one hour due to lightning in the area, and got underway at approximately noon. The contest was played with a running clock.
"It was a game of two halves," said Falcon head coach Andy Richards. "We played very poorly in the first half, didn't create any chances, and defended without a whole lot of passion or thought.
"But, in the second half, we played much better. We really showed a lot of commitment and fire, playing against a very good team in Missouri. They are a great program, and they have beaten teams in the top 25 of the nation. I think in the first half, we may have given them a bit too much space, time and respect overall.
"When I inherited the program two-and-a-half years ago, I was extremely fortunate to have a goalkeeper of the quality of Erika Flanders in the program. She has continued to prove what an awesome goalkeeper she is. The stats don't reflect how good she was today; she basically kept us in the game, especially in the first half, and allowed us at least a chance to get a win or get the game to overtime.
"Unfortunately, we didn't quite get the run we needed. But, it was a much better second half against a very good team.
"We have a few injuries right now, which is not really helping our situation. But, we are fortunate that this year we have some quality and depth throughout the squad. For example, we used Natalie Sampiller at sweeper today, and she did a nice job for us.
"For us to have used so many freshmen at key spots, and are 3-2-1 having lost to teams of the quality of Missouri and Michigan State, it shows great promise for the future. We have come together very well in the first six games, and there's a lot of hope for this season and the future as well.
"I think we will be a strong team, but we must learn the lessons of our defeats. Once we dive into the MAC season, we need to make sure that we don't make the same mistakes, and that we come out and play 90 minutes, and not just 45.
"We are ready to get back into the league schedule, and I hope that we will continue to play well against all teams, and play with total commitment and without any fear. I am proud of our team today, especially in the second half. They did a super job, and were a credit to the University."
The Falcons, 1-0 in Mid-American Conference action to date, return to league play with a pair of home matches, beginning with Friday's (Sept. 20) contest vs. defending league tournament champion Miami. That match is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. at BGSU's Cochrane Field. Then, the Brown and Orange will host Ball State Sunday (Sept. 22) at 2:00 p.m.
