On a night where the UMKC women’s soccer team set a program record for most shot attempts in a match, it took an overtime goal from freshman forward Lexie Howard to seal the sixth win of the season for the ‘Roos.
UMKC (6-2-0) found themselves with plenty of opportunities in the game, taking a total of 41 shots on the night, surpassing the previous record by six. The difference between the previous record and this game was 12 goals. In 2014, the ‘Roos scored 13 goals on 35 shots against Chicago State, tonight, they found the back of the net just once.
“I credit the toughness of our team,” head coach Chris Cissell said. “We could have easily gotten frustrated and gave up but we kept pushing, knowing we would score one.”
The ‘Roos had multiple shots in the second half that just barely missed. 52 minutes into the game, it looked like UMKC would finally go on top, Howard took a beautiful shot that went just wide and bounced off the post, freshman Kelsey Mothershead found the loose ball and kicked it goalward, only to be cleaned up by an EIU (1-6-1) defender.
In the 58th minute the ‘Roos looked poised for the lead again, freshman Reighan Childers sent a ball that was sure to go in, but ricocheted off the cross bar.
Again, in the 73rd minute, everyone in the stands at Durwood was sure the ‘Roos had the game-winner. Childers sent a corner into the box, placed perfectly for Mothershead, who nearly squeezed it past the keeper, but was denied her second goal of the season.
That would be the last real chance for the ‘Roos in regulation. It took just two minutes extra for them to finally end it, when Howard decided it was time to go home. She stole the ball just inside the attacking-third and had just one defender and the keeper to beat. After using her speed to beat the defender, she place the ball perfectly inside the far post for the game-winner.
The shutout of the Panthers marked the third of the season for goalkeeper Nina Tzianos and the ‘Roos, extending Tzianos’ career-saves record with 23.
“This is a game we are happy to get the win, but we have to move forward now,” Cissell said. “We have a big match on Sunday against a good team, and we have to be ready to compete.”
The ‘Roos are back in action at Durwood Stadium on Sunday, September 20, when they square off against Big 12 opponent Oklahoma State, with kickoff slated for 1 p.m. The game will be available to stream live on Roos TV via UMKCKangaroos.com/LiveEvents with T.J. Jackson calling the action.