Columbia, MO- Not many people showed up for the first look at the Mizzou soccer team today. Could it have been because it was only an exhibition game? Possibly. Could it have been because the game was moved from 6:30 to 1p to avoid inclement weather? Maybe, but the weather showed itself at the game anyway. The game start was delayed fifteen minutes due to lightning in the area, but at 1:15, all systems were go.
The first half was back and forth, as most soccer games are. Both the Tigers and the Illinois Fighting Illini had some good scoring chances, but could not capitalize. The game went into the locker room tied at 0.
The second half was much more of the same. Good touches, nice plays and great balls were to be had by both sides, but one touch in particular was the tie breaker. At 34:53 in the second half, Mizzou broke it open with their first goal of the season. Ten minutes later, Illinois would tie it. The game would end with the same score.
The rain was off and on, but the referee was off. Despite his wearing Black & Gold as his uniform for the game, he was in no way biased in favor of Mizzou. Not that I'm harping on the officiating, I'm just saying that as a former soccer referee myself, I am embarrassed at the calls the center referee made, or lack thereof.
The season opener for Mizzou soccer comes Sunday, August 21 when they host Eastern Illinois at the Audrey J. Walton Track Stadium. Game time is set for 6:30p.
