The Mizzou Tigers soccer program will return to Audrey J. Walton Stadium on September 4 at 5 p.m. for a Senior Night matchup against Southeast Missouri State, marking the final non-conference contest before conference play begins.
Senior Night and the Road to SEC Play
Historically, the Tigers hold a 4-0-1 record against the Redhawks in six encounters, boasting a 15-1 scoring margin and a 5-0 victory in 2024 that underscored their dominance.
Home attendance has surged, with a program-record 2,324 fans watching the season opener against Saint Louis, and the stadium is expected to be packed for the senior celebration.
Defensively, Missouri has been formidable in 2026, conceding only four goals across six matches and posting shutouts against Western Kentucky and Northern Illinois, while controlling possession against Creighton despite a narrow 1-0 loss.
Key figures returning for the Tigers include senior forward Brianna Buels, who set a program record with a goal in just 14 seconds, and senior defender Riley Wilkerson, both of whom anchor a veteran back line.
Emily Derucki, Landis Canada, Mia Yang and other experienced players add depth, while the 2026 roster features 10 in-state athletes, continuing a tradition of homegrown talent.
Second-year head coach John Klein of Southeast Missouri State brings a wealth of experience, having been the winningest coach in Columbia College history, though his team enters the game with a 2-15-2 record from the previous season.
Eleven seniors will be honored on Senior Night, including goalkeepers Kate Phillips and Riley Wilkerson, as the program looks to build momentum heading into SEC competition.
With the non-conference slate complete, the Tigers will turn their focus to the challenges of conference play, relying on a balanced attack, a disciplined defense, and the energy of a crowd that has grown steadily throughout the early season.