Texas A&M wraps up 2022 home slate with 1-1 draw against Missouri
Texas A&M soccer’s early efforts were not enough to get the big win on Senior Night as the Aggies (8-5-5, 2-4-3) and Missouri Tigers (5-7-4, 2-4-3) finished in a 1-1 draw Sunday afternoon at Ellis Field.
A&M seniors Ali Russell, Katie Smith, Natalie Yoo, Jai Smith and Kenna Caldwell were honored in the final home game of the season before kickoff.
“I am really proud of this group of seniors. They have been great teammates, they have been great players, and I am disappointed that we didn't get the win for them today.”
A&M head coach G Guerrieri said although early momentum was gained, Stephanie Golan’s Missouri team remained resilient.
“It was an aggressive match in how hard Mizzou fought, and you have to give credit to Stephanie (Golan) and her team,” Guerrieri said. “They came in, battled and didn’t give us an inch.”
The Aggies struck first in the ninth minute of the match. Capitalizing off of a right-side corner kick by Mia Pante was Maile Hayes. Hayes knocked the ball into the back of the net from the inside of a crowded six-yard box to collect her eighth goal of the season.
“We had so many opportunities that we created, good chances and the work ethic of the Mizzou players to block so many shots to throw us off of our rhythm made it difficult for us.”
The Tigers hit the ground running with the first shot attempt in the fourth minute. Senior goalkeeper Kenna Caldwell saved the bottom center shot for the Aggies.
“Kenna has been really, really good, getting better and better every game,'' Guerrieri said. “She had a good command of the penalty area.”
Slow-paced action followed from Missouri in the following minutes as they were unable to find a response for the Aggies, who outshot the squad 8–4 in the first half.
Breaking the seal for the Tigers in the 59th minute was Jadyn Easley. Easley swiftly slid the ball past a diving Caldwell into the back of the net to tie the game.
“It’s tough. You go up, so you have the momentum. Then one thing can shift that,” Hayes said.
The Maroon & White opened the second half with back-to-back corner kicks in the 53rd minute. Sophomore Quinn Cornog and Hayes attempted the shots.
Determined but unable to convert in the 59th minute, Cornog attempted to kick in another shot that fell to the bottom center and was saved by the Tigers’ goalkeeper Bella Hollenbach.
In the final minutes, Missouri brought aggression, quickly picking up a series of five fouls.
Caldwell attempted to set the Aggies up for one final point attempt in the 85th minute with a free kick, but it resulted in a collision between two Missouri players and senior midfielder Jai Smith.
The Aggies, once again, outshot their opponent, 15-6, but it was not enough to completely edge out the Tigers.
“We have to look at the opportunities that we created, that we squandered, and we are going to have to stick those on the road,'' Guerrieri said. “Intensity and quality are going to be needed on Thursday night in Gainesville.”
The Maroon & White will head back on the road to wrap up the regular season as they take on Florida this Thursday at 5 p.m.