COLUMBIA, Mo. — The University of Missouri’s women's soccer team makes its third road trip in the first four games of the season when it visits Missouri State on Sunday, Aug. 23, at Bett & Bobby Allison South Stadium in Springfield. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. and the match will stream on ESPN+, with live stats and updates available at MUTigers.com and on X at @MizzouSoccer.
Series history and season context
The Tigers and Bears renewed their series in 2023 after a long pause; the teams have met each of the last four years. Missouri State finished the 2025 campaign 7-9-4 and ended with a No. 172 RPI under head coach Kirk Nelson, who is in his sixth season. The Bears have opened 2026 with losses at Kansas and Kansas State.
Mizzou began the 2026 season on the road in Kentucky, opening with a scoreless draw at Western Kentucky and then a 3-1 victory at Murray State. The Tigers returned home for their opener against Saint Louis on Thursday, Aug. 20, falling 1-0 after conceding on a 17th-minute penalty kick.
Team strengths and returning experience
The Tigers enter their 31st season of competition in 2026 with a roster that retains much of last year’s playing core, including the team’s top returning scorer, both starting center backs and both goalkeepers from 2025. That continuity figures to be an asset as MU navigates a heavy early-season travel slate.
Senior forward Brianna Buels (Indianapolis, Ind.) already has made an immediate impact this season, scoring in a program-record 14 seconds to open the match against Murray State and finishing that game with two goals. Forward Emily Derucki (Wildwood, Mo.) scored what was credited as the first game-winner of her collegiate career in the same match, netting the go-ahead goal in the 50th minute — her third career goal.
Home stadium upgrades and fan interest
The Tigers welcomed a program-record crowd of 2,324 to their first match at the recently renovated Audrey J. Walton Stadium. The facility improvements are part of a larger project intended to enhance the home environment for players and fans, though specifics of funding and scope were not provided in the match notes.
Even after the narrow home loss to Saint Louis, MU showed signs of in-game adjustment: the Tigers out-shot the Billikens 4-3 in the second half and flipped the run of play following halftime, indicating competitive fitness and tactical responsiveness.
Match details and viewing
- Opponent: Missouri State Bears
- Date & time: Sunday, Aug. 23 — 4 p.m.
- Location: Bett & Bobby Allison South Stadium, Springfield
- Stream: ESPN+
- Live updates: MUTigers.com and X at @MizzouSoccer
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Western Kentucky | 0-0 draw |
| Murray State | 3-1 win (Buels 2, Derucki GW) |
| Saint Louis | 1-0 loss (17th-minute PK) |
What to watch
Mizzou’s ability to translate second-half adjustments into full-game consistency will be a central storyline. The Tigers demonstrated offensive urgency after halftime against Saint Louis but were unable to find the equalizer. How they handle the travel-heavy early slate — three road games in four matches — and whether returning starters can maintain form will shape the team's trajectory entering Southeastern Conference play.
For Missouri State, early-season results against Kansas and Kansas State indicate the Bears are still searching for form. A matchup with a familiar regional opponent should provide a barometer for where both programs stand as they look to build momentum.
Fans planning to follow the match remotely can access the stream through ESPN+ and monitor live statistics at MUTigers.com. Those attending in Springfield should consult Missouri State’s venue policies and timing to plan arrival.
Coverage and notes for this preview were provided by Mizzou athletics and include game results, roster highlights and facility information released ahead of the matchup.
