Huskers Remain Unbeaten at Home

Lincoln ? Sophomore Nikki Baker unleashed two goals to lead the Nebraska soccer team to a 3-1 win over Missouri at the Abbott Sports Complex Sunday afternoon

 

The win improves the Huskers to <?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>7-2-1 overall, 2-0-0 in conference action, and extended their home winning streak to five matches.With the loss, Missouri dropped to 5-5-0 and 0-2-0 in conference play.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

 

"We had some good one-v-one play today, especially from Nikki on her first goal," Coach John Walker said. "We've played well on the flanks this weekend by Kari (Hogan), Jenna (Cooper) and Lindsey (Ingram)."

 

Nebraska posted all three goals in the first half, playing against the wind. Baker scored her first goal of the season at the 17:17 mark when she went one-on-one with a Mizzou defender down the left side and won the battle, putting NU on the board first.

 

"Everyone knew what she (Baker) was capable of," Walker said. "That's what we need her to do. and I am very happy for her and happy for the team."

 

The Bixby, Okla., native added the game-winning goal nearly 14 minutes later when MU goalkeeper Stephanie Krawczyk let go of a ball in the goal area, and Baker picked it up, dribbled around her and was able to tap it in for the second goal of the game.

 

"It feels good, it's about time," Baker said. "Earlier this season, I focused too much on scoring and not enough on the intangible things. Whenever I got in today I did better focusing on those things and the goals just came."

 

Just 33 seconds after Baker's second goal, junior Iman Haynes notched her second goal of the season on a cross that came in from Lindsey Ingram. Haynes shot the ball, which ricocheted off a Missouri player and went into the net for the Huskers' final goal of the contest.

 

Missouri put up a good effort in the second half, with Melissa Peabody making several breakaways, but the Tigers were only able to get it past NU goalkeeper Brooke Bredenberg once. Aria Hudetz nailed a short shot on a pass from Peadbody at the 74:28 mark, but the Tigers were unable to register another goal the rest of the contest.

 

Nebraska outshot Missouri 25-14 for the game and posted 11 shots on goal to MU's seven. Freshman Ashley Carter led the way for NU with nine shots on the game and fellow freshman Jessie Bruch registered six shots, including two on goal. Nebraska also outcornered Missouri, 8-3.

 

Bredenberg recorded six saves and improved to 5-1-1 on the season. Krawczyk took the loss for Missouri, with four saves and three goals against her in the first half. Megan Duncan played in the net for the Tigers in the second half and posted four saves and didn't allow a goal.

 

Nebraska goes back on the road to face Baylor and Texas Tech Friday and Sunday, respectively. The Huskers return home on Friday, Oct. 10, to face the Oklahoma Sooners at 7 p.m. at the Abbott Sports Complex.