Kentucky Posts 2-0 Shutout Over Missouri in Home Finale
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Behind a goal in each half, the University of Kentucky women’s soccer team posted a 2-0 shutout over Missouri on Sunday afternoon in the home finale at the Wendell and Vickie Bell Soccer Complex.
Following the win, the Wildcats improve to 7-9-2 (1-8) on the year while the Tigers drop to 6-10 (2-7).
Kentucky got things off to a quick start by jumping out to an early lead in the sixth minute. Hannah Richardson sent a pass to Marissa Bosco from the left side who then found Jordyn Rhodes inside the 18-yard box. With an attempt that snuck between two Missouri defenders, Rhodes’ shot landed in the bottom left corner of the net for her 11th goal of the season.
Although the Tigers out-shot the Wildcats 9-5 in the opening 45 minutes, three saves from Laura Nielsen and a disciplined UK back line maintained the 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Missouri had a few attempts early in the second half but was unable to convert any chances. Rhodes had back-to-back shots that were both denied by Mizzou’s keeper in the 57th and 60th minutes, and Miranda Jimenez gave UK another opportunity three minutes later before her strike bounced off the crossbar.
Kentucky got the chance it was looking for in the 76th minute when a free kick by Maria Olsen was punched away by Tiger goalkeeper McKenna Sheehan in the direction of Úlfa Úlfarsdóttir. Receiving the rebound at the top of the 6-yard box, Úlfarsdóttir sent a header into the upper left corner for her third goal of the year.
Both the Wildcats and Tigers fired off 14 shots during the contest, including five apiece on target, with Missouri holding a 12-5 advantage on corners. Rhodes had a team-high four shots for UK followed by Julia Grosso with three.
Nielsen finished with five saves between the posts while Sheehan made three for Missouri.
The Wildcats conclude the regular season on Thursday, Oct. 28 when they pay a visit to No. 10 Tennessee at 6 p.m. ET at the Regal Soccer Stadium in Knoxville.
For the latest on the Kentucky women’s soccer program, follow @UKWomensSoccer on Twitter and on Instagram, on Facebook, and on the web at UKathletics.com.
