Border Showdown Begins With Kansas Soccer 3-1 Victory Over Missouri

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Senior midfielder Amy Geha tallied a goal and an assist as the University of Kansas soccer team began the 2004 Border Showdown with a 3-1 win over Missouri at the Audrey J. Walton Soccer Complex in Columbia, Mo., on Friday.

“We were happy to get the win because Missouri is a good team,” head coach Mark Francis said. “We created a lot chances, but we missed a lot of chances to bury them (Missouri).”

No. 10 Kansas drew first blood in the contest as Geha collected her second goal of the season at the 31:39 mark of the first period. Following a KU corner kick, Missouri attempted to clear the ball through the top of the penalty box, but the ball went directly to Geha who fired a low shot that eluded Tiger goalkeeper Laura Buehrig and gave KU the 1-0 lead.

The Jayhawks capitalized on another Missouri miscue just before halftime, as Nicole Braman drove in on the left side and unleashed a shot at the net, which deflected of an MU defender and into the goal.

The Tigers maintained pressure on the Jayhawks in the first half and held a 6-5 shot advantage, but KU capitalized on its chances and took a 2-0 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Kansas senior goalkeeper Meghan Miller turned in a solid performance, making eight saves in the match and collecting her 12th win of the season.

Missouri spoiled the shutout for Miller in the 82nd minute, when Jennifer Nobis scored her sixth goal of the season.

Junior forward Kim Karfonta sealed the win for the Jayhawks in the 89th minute, scoring off a pass from Geha to push the KU lead to 3-1.

“Overall, it was a good team effort in a tough place to play,” Francis said.

With the win, Kansas improves to 12-2-0 and 4-1 in Big 12 play, while Missouri drops to 5-7-1 overall and 2-3 in the Big 12.

Kansas is back in action next weekend as they take the road to battle Oklahoma State and Oklahoma.