University of Missouri soccer is gearing up for an exciting match against No. 10 Memphis at Walton Stadium on Sunday. The Tigers are coming off a strong start to their season with a 2-0 victory over Missouri State. This win marked the 29th season opener for the program, where they have historically performed well with an 18-8-3 record. Additionally, the Tigers have been dominant in home openers, boasting a 23-4-1 record.
In their recent match, Milena Fischer scored the first goal of the season in the ninth minute, setting the tone for the Tigers. Keegan Good added another goal in the 55th minute to secure the victory. The team recorded a total of 15 shots, with six on target, showcasing their offensive prowess. This win marked the fourth victory for Missouri against Missouri State in their series history.
Kylee Simmons, a standout player for the Tigers, made her presence known by tallying an assist in the game. Simmons, a 2023 All-SEC First Team honoree, led the conference with 11 goals last season and ranked second in the SEC with 24 total points. Her performance on the field has earned her recognition, as she was recently ranked No. 34 on Top Drawer Soccer’s national player rankings.
The Tigers also introduced their freshman class in the match against Missouri State. Players like Landis Canada, Emily Derucki, and Mia Devrouax all made appearances, with Canada even earning a spot in the starting lineup and playing 78 minutes. This infusion of young talent bodes well for the future of the program.
Goalkeeper Bella Hollenbach played a crucial role in the team’s victory, making four saves to secure the shutout. Hollenbach, a redshirt junior, has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup, making 14 consecutive starts dating back to last season.
In exhibition play leading up to the season opener, Missouri displayed their strength with 2-0 wins over Lindenwood and Wisconsin. This early success has set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
On the other side, Memphis comes into the match with a strong start to their season, having defeated Alabama A&M 5-1 in their opener. The Tigers had an impressive 2023 season, going 20-2 and finishing with a perfect 9-0 record against conference opponents. Coached by Brooks Monaghan, who has an impressive overall record of 300-149-37, Memphis is a formidable opponent.
Sophomore forward Anna Hauer leads the Memphis roster, having scored eight goals and recorded three assists last season. Her offensive prowess will be a key factor in the upcoming match against Missouri.
Admission to all home contests during the 2024 season is free, providing fans with the opportunity to support the Tigers in person. For the latest updates on Mizzou Soccer, fans can visit MUTigers.com and follow the team on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Overall, the upcoming match between University of Missouri and Memphis promises to be an exciting showdown between two talented teams. With both sides looking to build on their early season success, fans can expect a thrilling and competitive game at Walton Stadium.