Orange and Tigers Play to 0-0 Tie

Friday, August 22

University Park, Pa.

5:00 pm

Syracuse University

0-0-1

University of Missouri

0-0-1

OT 1

OT 2

Missouri

Syracuse

Photo by: Michael J. Okoniewski

8/22/2014 8:47:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Box Score

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Syracuse opened the 2014 season against Missouri at the Penn State Invitational in University Park on Friday, Aug. 22. Neither team could find the back of the net in 110 minutes of play as the game ended in a 0-0 tie.

"It was a fast, physical game," said Syracuse head coach Phil Wheddon. "Missouri puts you under pressure all over the field. The speed of play was very quick and decision making needed to be quick as well. We were prepared for it, but it took us 15-20 minutes to settle down and play."

The first half featured two corner kicks for the Tigers while the Orange had one. Syracuse tested Missouri goalkeeper McKenzie Sauerwein with six shots, as she made three saves. The Tigers also had six shots but only one on goal.

Both teams were dangerous on the offensive end after intermission. The Orange recorded six shots and junior Jackie Firenze's service on four corner kicks put SU in position to score, but Syracuse couldn't take advantage of its opportunities. On the defensive end of the field, the Orange successfully defended against five Tiger corner kicks as goalkeeper MacKenzie Moranz made three saves.

Neither team put a shot on goal in the first overtime period. In the second extra session, both squads earned a corner kick but couldn't convert. Moranz recorded a save in the opening minutes on Missouri's only shot on goal in the period to preserve the tie.

"I was happy with the movement of our forwards. They were all dangerous," Wheddon said. "We created some quality opportunities but we have to take advantage of our scoring chances. I was very impressed with our defense. We have a young group back there but they were very organized and played well together. We limited Missouri to long-range opportunities that didn't really test our goalkeeper."

Syracuse had 15 shots and seven corner kicks , while Missouri recorded 19 shots and eight corner kicks. Moranz finished with five saves in her first collegiate action, while Sauerwein also finished with five saves.

"It was an opportunity to play a strong team from the SEC," Wheddon said. "It's good preparation moving forward as we prepare to play higher-ranked teams. It's a good stepping stone. It's always good to get a win but we can head into Sunday's game with our heads held high."

The Orange is back in action on Sunday, Aug. 24 when it takes on the host Nittany Lions at 2:30 p.m. in the second round of the Penn State Invitational.