Cougars' first Big 12 match falls short with 1-0 loss - CofCSports.com--Official Web site of College of Charleston Athletics

Friday, September 16

Columbia, MO

7pm

College of Charleston

Missouri

Cougars' first Big 12 match falls short with 1-0 loss - CofCSports.com--Official Web site of College of Charleston Athletics

9/16/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer

#articleRelated { display: none !important; } Senior Jennifer Nobis' 90th minute header led the University of Missouri to a 1-0 win over the College of Charleston on Friday night at Walton Stadium.

With the victory, Missouri (5-1-1) extends its unbeaten streak to six games, winning streak to five games and tied the school record with three consecutive shutouts. The Tigers are also a perfect 4-0 at home this season.

College of Charleston (1-4) goalkeeper Erin Smith deflected a Nobis header out of play to set up a corner kick for the Tigers in the last 20 seconds. With the clock nearing zero, junior Aria Hudetz sailed a perfectly placed left-footed corner kick into the box as Nobis ran unmarked and headed the game-winner past the Cougar defense.

"We're proud of our kids," said Missouri head coach Bryan Blitz. "It's easy to get frustrated and get out of our game but we stayed with our game plan. Hats off to (Charleston), they had a good game plan and it almost worked."

Despite control by Missouri for the first 20 minutes and last 15 minutes, the match was sandwiched by end to end play and possession from both sides.

"For stretches, Missouri was very dangerous and had numerous chances," said College of Charleston coach Kevin Dempsey. "But for a very large part of the match, we caught them not ready for our ability to possess, attack and play them even. Matches can be viewed in many ways but I think people took notice of the College of Charleston tonight."

Nobis was the difference in the match, creating several first and second half chances with individual strength, pace and attacking ability, including a first stanza opportunity which saw the Cougar keeper pull a 25-yard shot out of the top corner.

The College's best opportunity also fell in the first half when Colleen Hoban's left-footed blast was headed off the line behind a beaten Tiger keeper.

"Our plan, as evidenced by our formation and pre-game preparation, was to play and attack," Dempsey said. "The quality of the Big 12 caught us for 20 minutes but once we settled in, we made a very good account for ourselves. We're excited to get back on the horse Sunday (at Missouri State) and then open Southern Conference play (September 25 at UNC-Greensboro)."

The Tigers outshot the Cougars 21-9 in the game, including 10-4 in the second half.

The Cougars travel to Springfield, MO Sunday for an 11 a.m. kickoff vs. Missouri State while Missouri next hosts a pair of nationally ranked opponents at Walton Stadium: Sunday, September 18 against #17 Cal Poly at 1:00 p.m. and Friday, September 23 versus #14 Texas A&M at 7:00 p.m.