Soccer Falls 1-0 to Mizzou in Big 12 Championship

Sunday, November 9

San Antonio, Texas

11:09 a.m.

Colorado

14-4-4

Missouri (Championship)

15-5-1

Colorado

Missouri

Photo by: Tony Harman

November 09, 2008 | Soccer

Box Score

By: Allie Musso, Assistant SID

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The 16th-ranked University of Colorado women's soccer team looked to capture its first Big 12 Soccer Championship crown, but the Buffs dropped a tough 1-0 battle to the Missouri Tigers on Sunday afternoon.

Colorado is now 14-4-4 on the season, while the Tigers improve to 15-5-1 with the win.

"We've shown all year that we have to fight and scratch for every goal that we get," said Hempen. "I thought we actually had some pretty clear looks at goal, but we didn't finish."

The Tigers would take an early 1-0 lead and never look back after a Mo Redmond goal in the sixth minute of the game. Redmond picked up a loose ball from Kristin Andrighetto and fired a left-footed shot into the upper left corner of the Colorado goal.

The Buffaloes, however, are no strangers to early deficits. Colorado has recorded four come-from-behind wins and one tie so far this season and showed no signs of letting up.

Colorado nearly got on the board with 10 minutes left in the half when freshman midfielder Kelly Butler beat a Tiger defender down the right side of the field and sent a low cross into the Missouri goal box. Senior forward Gianna DeSaverio was unable to get a foot on it as she slid in, but freshman midfielder Kassidy Fitzpatrick was on the back post and took the shot, missing just wide left of the goal.

"Everyone worked really hard today," said DeSaverio. "Missouri's defense isn't bad, but they aren't unbeatable. The one ball in the first half that bounced right over my foot will be replaying in my mind for awhile. Sometimes you need just a little hint of luck and today we didn't get that."

Colorado dominated the first half statistics, outshooting the Tigers six to three. Both CU's goalkeeper Kirstin Radlinski and MU's Tasha Dittamore recorded one save in the half. Freshman midfielder Kate Russell, who saw action at forward in the first half, led the Buffs with two shots.

Junior forward and U-20 National Team member Nikki Marshall had an opportunity to equalize the game when she ran on to a headed ball by junior Kelly Menachof. Marshall beat two Missouri defenders and took a hard shot toward the goal but the ball missed just high.

Missouri continued to put the Colorado defense under pressure and had back-to-back opportunities to extend its lead. Redmond crossed a ball to Cruse on the back post who headed it toward the goal but Radlinski fully extended to save the ball with the tips of her fingers. On the MU corner directly after, another Tiger forward went for a header toward the back post of the goal, but junior defender Kelly Ross was on the goal line to make the team save and clear the ball out.

Colorado created a number of opportunities in the final minutes of the match, but the Buffs were unable to find the back of the net. MU wrapped up the game edging the Buffs in shots 13-12. Radlinski, after setting a new record of 12 saves in the semifinal game against Oklahoma State on Wednesday, recorded seven saves in the match. CU's DeSaverio and Russell led all Buffs offensively with three shots each.

Seniors Michelle Wenino and Kirstin Radlinski were named to the 2008 Big 12 All-Tournament Team.

"We played hard today," said Hempen. "I've never had a complaint with this team as to what they put out there. All year long there has not been one game where they've taken the day off. We just have to keep at it. It's a weird game. Missouri scored a goal today and we didn't. Now it's time to take some rest and make a run in the next tournament that faces us."

Colorado will find out when they'll be back in action this Monday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. MST, when the NCAA announces the field for the 2008 NCAA Soccer Championship. The Buffs are 14-4-4 on the season and are looking to earn their sixth-straight at-large berth to the tournament. The selection show will be broadcast live on ESPN News.