News release from Texas A&M Athletics:
A second-half penalty kick from Bella Yakel pushed the Texas A&M soccer team past the Missouri Tigers, 2–1, earning the Aggies their second SEC home victory of the season Thursday night, at Ellis Field.
Kaylee Noble opened the scoring early, finding the back of the net in the third minute. The Aggies showcased an aggressive offensive performance in the first half, outshooting the Tigers 5-2, including a 4-2 advantage in shots on goal, and leading 2-0 in corner kicks.
With just two seconds remaining in the first half, a handball in the box gave Missouri (4-10-1, 1-7-0) the equalizer. Olivia Chianelli converted the penalty to send the match into halftime tied 1-1.
Yakel, who was whistled for the infraction resulting in Missouri’s penalty kick, earned redemption when she converted on a PK of her own in the 73rd minute after Holly Storer was fouled on the edge of the box.
Defensively, Texas A&M (5-6-4, 2-5-1) delivered a strong showing. The backline limited Missouri’s attack to just one goal, despite the Tigers firing 10 shots, six on goal, and earning three corner kicks. Goalkeeper Mayson Veranda stepped up, recording seven saves on the night, the second-highest total in her career.
The Aggies suffered two injuries during the match with Bella James and Tessa Lavender leaving the pitch in the 15th and 70thminutes. The Maroon & White dug into the reserves with Hayden Wilson making her first career appearance for the Aggies and Leah Pirro playing a season-high 66 minutes.
