Missouri midfielder Leah Selm (12) celebrates with midfielder Landis Canada (25) after Selm’s goal during a game against Oklahoma on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at Walton Stadium. | (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M NATION)
Selm’s five-point performance propels Tigers to Homecoming win
Mizzou soccer continues moving down the track towards their first SEC tournament since 2018. The latest stop was a big-time home win against Oklahoma 3-1, leaving the Sooners in the dust.
The Tigers wasted no time, scoring their first goal in 37 SECONDS. Leah Selm took a pass from Brianna Buels, dribbling into the box before putting on the brakes. On the edge of the box Selm ripped a shot by the outstretched arm of Oklahoma keeper Caroline Duffy, giving Mizzou an early 1-0 lead.
This was the third fastest goal in Tiger soccer history, and the fastest here in the Golan era. For those curious the fastest goal ever came 24 seconds into a 2-0 win against Vandy 10 years ago. Shoutout Reagan Russell.
After a halftime reset, Mizzou doubled their lead with a goal in the 50th minute. Selm threaded the ball through two defenders, before Keegan Good smacked a shot on-the-move that sailed up-and-over Duffy but stayed under the crossbar. This was Good’s first goal since the opener against Missouri State.
The Tigers remained in full control the rest of the night, adding a third goal less than 10 minutes later. It was once again Selm getting involved, taking a pass from Bella Carrillo before dribbling along the edge of the box, firing a shot just inside the post.
An absolute sizzler pic.twitter.com/t4kk1w51I4
— Mizzou Soccer (@MizzouSoccer) October 19, 2024
This brought Selm up to FIVE points on the night, securing the first multi-goal game of her Mizzou career. This monster performance now ties Selm with Fischer in terms of points lead with 13 each thus far.
“I don’t know I was necessarily expecting that going into the game,” Selm said. “Especially with all of my family and friends, it’s exciting to put on a great performance for them.”
The Tigers struggled finishing last season, with only 11 goals across 10 SEC games. Those numbers have improved drastically in recent weeks, with 12 in 8 games.
“In games like this after we’ve scored one, keep pressing to keep scoring,” Selm said.
Oklahoma added their only goal of the evening after a penalty kick goal from Leonie Weber in the 66th minute. After some contact in the box there was originally a foul called on Weber and ruled a free kick for Mizzou. But after a video review, it was overturned and ruled to be a foul on Mizzou goalkeeper Kate Phillips, giving Oklahoma the prime scoring chance.
Despite the goal, the Tigers limited the Sooners’ chances in the second half, with only six shots; matching Mizzou. A big part of the defensive effort came from Shania Spriggs, making her first start since August. Spriggs has been battling a knee injury for the last month, making her return against Mississippi State.
“I tried to do what I know how to do, didn’t do too much [or] too little,” Spriggs said. “I was pretty nervous when I first came out, but [after] the whistle blew, I was fine.”
(CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M NATION)
Missouri defender Shania Spriggs (15) in action against Oklahoma’s Morganne Eikelbarner (24) during a game on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at Walton Stadium.
The Tigers backline is still quite young, with three of the four defenders in their second year in the program. All of them have made major strides in their game, working with poise to shut down opposing offenses; especially at Audrey J. Walton.
“A lot of players have gained a lot of composure, a lot of confidence,” Spriggs said. “Morgan [Meador] was redshirted last year, so I’m really proud of how she’s playing this year, like she’s playing 90 [minutes}.”
With this win the Tigers move into No. 10 in the SEC, well in the mix for a spot in the top 12 to qualify for their first SEC tournament in the Stefanie Golan era.
Mizzou looks to win their next outing on the road against Texas at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24.
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