Game Details
Mizzou’s soccer program will meet Missouri State on August 23 at 4 p.m. at Bobby & Allison South Stadium, marking the third encounter in the first four games of the 2026 season. The matchup continues a series that has been renewed annually since 2023, adding a layer of familiarity for both squads.
Star Attackers
Leading the offensive charge are senior forward Brianna Buels and junior midfielder Emily Derucki, who have already combined for several decisive moments. Buels struck for the fastest goal in program history just 14 seconds into a recent match, while Derucki recorded her first career‑winning goal in the 50th minute, underscoring her growing impact.
Missouri State entered the season after a 7‑9‑4 record in 2025, a campaign that saw the Bears reach the Conference USA Championship final before falling to Liberty. Early in 2026 the Bears dropped their first two games to Kansas and Kansas State, but they remain eager to prove they can compete against a revitalized Missouri side.
The Tigers, who opened the season with a narrow loss to Saint Louis before rallying for a 4‑3 comeback, have benefited from a renovated Audrey J. Walton Stadium that attracted a record crowd of 2,324 fans. The atmosphere has helped the team settle into a rhythm that emphasizes aggressive attacking and disciplined defending.
Statistically, the Tigers have shown marked improvement in shooting accuracy, with 18 of 33 attempts on target across their first three outings, yielding a .545 success rate. Defensively, the back line has been equally impressive, conceding only two goals in 2026, including a shutout against Western Kentucky.
The match will be streamed live on ESPN+, and fans can follow real‑time updates on MUTigers.com and the team’s X account (@MizzouSoccer). Such coverage reflects the growing visibility of the program and its commitment to engaging a broader audience.