The Missouri soccer team dropped to 3-3-1 on the season after falling 3-1 to unbeaten Oklahoma in its Southeastern Conference opener on Friday night at John Crain Field. According to match reports, the Tigers surrendered three goals in the opening half before mounting a brief second-half response that fell short of a complete comeback.
Oklahoma Builds First-Half Lead at John Crain Field
Oklahoma (6-0-2) needed just over eight minutes to break the scoreless deadlock. Narissa Fults finished off a feed from Sadie Sterbenz and Elle Canty to put the Sooners ahead in the 8th minute, marking the first of two goals on the night for Fults. According to game accounts, Oklahoma doubled its advantage in the 26th minute when Kayla Keefer converted another assist from Canty. Fults struck again a minute later off a pass from Emily Davey, establishing a 3-0 cushion before halftime.
Missouri goalkeeper Riley Wilkerson prevented further damage in the opening frame, finishing the match with six saves. The Sooners out-shot the Tigers 13-7 overall during the contest.
Missouri Second-Half Push Falls Short
The Tigers adjusted their approach after the break, generating immediate pressure. According to match summaries, Emily Derucki scored just three minutes into the second half, finishing an assist from Lana Adams to cut Oklahoma’s lead to 3-1.
The goal energized the Missouri attack, prompting a series of scoring opportunities. Adams tested Oklahoma goalkeeper Callie Sullivan twice late in the match, while teammates Olivia Chianelli and Brianna Buels also forced saves from Sullivan. Missouri’s best chance to narrow the deficit further arrived in the 85th minute when the team was awarded a penalty kick following a handball by Ariana Ellison. Rylie Morse took the shot, but Sullivan guessed correctly and stopped the low attempt to her right.
A video assistant referee review for a potential penalty against Oklahoma was initiated in the 89th minute without resulting in a call, and the clock ran out on the Tigers shortly afterward. Missouri finished the SEC opener with three shots on goal to Oklahoma’s nine, while both teams tied with four corner kicks apiece. The Tigers committed 10 fouls compared to five for the Sooners.
Upcoming SEC Schedule
Following the road loss in Norman, Missouri returns to Columbia next week to host the Kentucky Wildcats as conference play continues.
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