Boyer's Goal Sparks Kansas to First Win

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kim Boyer’s timing couldn’t have been better. The sophomore forward’s first career goal off a Jessica Bush cross powered Kansas past Missouri State, 1-0 in overtime Tuesday evening at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex.

KU improves to 1-5-1 overall, while the Bears fall to 4-3.

Boyer’s goal capped a very pretty display of passing by the Jayhawks in the second minute of overtime. Sophomore Shannon McCabe started the play, sending a long ball down the near sideline to junior Jessica Bush. The junior forward made a move around her defender and sent a cross to the middle of the box where Boyer used the top of her foot to direct the ball past the keeper in the 92nd minute.

“It was nice to get the win,” Kansas head coach Mark Francis said. “It was a very good goal to win the game, and I think that should give the girls some confidence heading into Friday’s game.”

The overtime goal was a fitting way for Boyer to score her first career tally. In KU’s last two matches, the sophomore forward has had shots hit the crossbar and post after beating the keeper.

Kansas dominated the pace of the game in the first half, outshooting the visiting Bears, 8-1 with Boyer and junior Kristin Graves both putting balls off the post.

The Jayhawks outshot Missouri State 14-9 margin.

KU goalkeeper Colleen Quinn made four saves, all during the second half, to earn her first shut out since blanking Nebraska on Sept. 30, 2005. Tuesday marked the second time she has shut out Missouri State in her career, with the first also coming during the 2005 season.

Bush’s assist on the goal marked her third career point against Missouri State. The junior forward scored the game-winning goal in the teams’ last contest in 2005.

The start of Tuesday’s match was delayed 23 minutes due to heavy rain in the Lawrence area during the afternoon. The teams withstood one short cloudburst during the first half.

Kansas will play host to No. 25 Illinois Friday at 5 p.m. at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex.